Women could get breast cancer checks from 30 as Sarah Harding's incredible legacy

All women could be offered risk assessments from the age of 30 under a new approach being trialled by hospitals. More than 10,000 diagnoses and 2,000 deaths from the disease occur every year in the UK among patients aged under 50 - who are too young for routine screening. A study is exploring whether giving women a "comprehensive risk assessment" from the age of 30 could save more lives.

The project is being led by Dr Sacha Howell, an oncologist at The Christie hospital in who treated Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding. The singer was just 39 when she died of secondary breast cancer in 2021. Dr Howell said all women should undergo the assessment from the age of 30, which would include DNA tests and health questionnaires, plus annual mammograms for some.

He explained: "Breast cancer is the most common cause of death in women aged 35 to 50 in this country and about two thirds of women who develop breast cancer don't have a family history of it.

"What we want to do is to try and identify women at increased risk so that we can start screening early and reduce the chances of these women dying."

The research is supported by Sarah's bandmates Cheryl Tweedy, Nadine Coyle, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh. Dr Howell said Sarah had spoken to him many times about "wanting to leave a legacy for future women".

Cheryl, Kimberley, Nadine and Nicola said: "We are so pleased about the progress of the BCAN-RAY study and know that Sarah would be thrilled.

"To hear that women who had no idea they could be at risk of breast cancer are being identified and able to take preventative measures is astounding.

"This study in Sarah's name has the potential to be life-saving and we are hopeful the results will be rolled out across the UK allowing doctors to predict and prevent breast cancer for many women.

"Sarah was an amazing woman and we couldn't be more proud of the legacy she has left."

Under the Christie model, every participant receives a low dose assessment mammogram, completes a detailed questionnaire, and provides a saliva sample for genetic testing.

The team then works with scientists from Cambridge University to calculate each woman's personalised breast cancer risk score.

The genetic analysis looks for more than 300 subtle changes in DNA that have been linked to the disease.

Dr Howell will chair a panel on prevention, risk reduction and genetics at the world's largest cancer conference, the American Society of Clinical Oncology's annual meeting in Chicago today. (SAT)

Speaking ahead of the event, he said: "I would like all women over 30 to have a breast cancer risk assessment; that doesn't have to be a mammogram, probably the most powerful part of this is the DNA analysis."

The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment in Young Women (BCAN-RAY) study has so far tested around 700 women aged 30 to 39, and aims to reach 1,000 by the end of next month.

It will compare 750 women who have not had breast cancer, and have no strong family history of the disease, with 250 who have been diagnosed.

So far, around 100 women tested have been identified as having a higher than average risk of developing breast cancer - meaning at least a 3% chance over the next 10 years. That is also the average risk for women over 50, which is the age when the NHS begins inviting them for routine screening.

The programme is now being expanded to other NHS cancer centres across the UK, including in Lancaster, Wirral, Bolton, Tameside, Leighton, Wigan and Macclesfield.

Simon Vincent, director of research, support and influencing at Breast Cancer Now ,said the research could help improve understanding of breast cancer in younger women and whether risk-based or earlier screening could save more lives.

He added: "While breast cancer is less common in younger women, it's a leading cause of death in women aged under 50.

"Around 2,400 women aged 39 or under hear the words 'you have breast cancer' each year in the UK."

The research comes as NHS officials are drawing up a major plan to speed up diagnosis and treatment.

Mr Vincent said: "The upcoming national cancer plan for England presents a critical opportunity to focus on improving access to risk-reduction treatment and early diagnosis tools that can ultimately help reduce deaths from breast cancer.

"It's also crucial that all younger women are empowered to know the importance of regular breast checking - which is as simple as TLC, touch, look, check."

Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England's national clinical director for cancer, said: "We are working closely with government on a national cancer plan to ensure the NHS continues to deliver progress in diagnosing more cancers earlier and saving lives, and this research provides valuable information about the potential for more personalised approaches to screening.

"If women are worried about any symptoms, whatever their age, or if they notice a change in their bodies or something that's unusual for them, then I would encourage them to contact their GP."

'Breast check showed I had increased risk, now I have regular scans'

Mum-of-two Anna Housley, 40, took part in the study two years ago and was found to be at increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Her assessment identified small genetic markers in her saliva sample, and a low-radiation mammogram showed high density breast tissue. Both are among the risk factors most commonly found in women with breast cancer.

Physiotherapist Anna, from Hale in South Manchester, is now invited for annual mammograms - which have so far been clear.

Anna said: "Nobody wants to be told they are at increased risk of developing cancer, so it was a bit of a shock.

"But I was also very thankful that I had been identified because if I hadn't been part of this study, I would have never known."

Anna added that with her two young daughters, Lillian and Maddi, "the more things I can do to try and reduce my risk of developing breast cancer, the better".

She said: "I wanted to be part of this research so that we can improve diagnosis and treatment for future generations, and if my participation in this study can help with advancing this research, then that's a really great thing to be part of."