![\"Annette](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/0_Annette-and-her-partner-Mark.jpg\")
<\/p>\nMum-of-three Annette Illing said her cancer was caught early thanks to the groundbreaking study<\/p>\n
Annette Illing says she feels ‘very hopeful for the future'(Image: Cancer Research UK)<\/p>\n
A mum with no symptoms or family history of breast cancer has told of how a decision to take part in a study inspired by Sarah Harding saved her life.<\/p>\n
Annette Illing, from Withington<\/a>, was given a shock diagnosis after joining the research set up following the Girls Aloud singer’s death in 2021, aged 39.<\/p>\n The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment in Young Women (BCAN-RAY) study at The Christie Cancer Centre in Manchester was set up in memory of Sarah<\/a>, who died 11 months after she was diagnosed. The study aims to identify which women are most at risk of developing breast cancer in their 30s.<\/p>\n Get MEN Premium now for just \u00a31 <\/strong>HERE<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 or get involved in our WhatsApp group by clicking <\/strong>HERE<\/strong><\/a>. And don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters <\/strong>HERE.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Mum-of-three Annette said she wasn’t overly concerned about having a genetic risk factor for the disease, but when she received a letter to take part in a trial funded by The Christie Charity Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal<\/a>, she thought ‘why not?’.<\/p>\n Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding died at the age of 39(Image: PA)<\/p>\n “I couldn’t really see any negatives,” she said. “It would either be ‘I’m fine’ and carry on as I am, or ‘I’m at increased risk’ and might need to make some lifestyle changes.”<\/p>\n In June 2025, at just 39 years old, Annette was told she been identified as being at increased risk. She then had her first mammogram, after which she was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer.<\/p>\n She added: “It was a huge shock as I don’t have a family history of breast cancer. It was scary to hear the word ‘cancer,’ but there was hope.<\/p>\n “I’d rather know and have choices than not know. It was caught early, meaning it could be removed, and preventive treatment was available.”<\/p>\n Without the BCAN-RAY study, Annette would have waited another decade for her first routine mammogram.<\/p>\n “When the mammogram picked up my cancer, it was undetectable by any other means. If I’d waited, it would have grown and changed my prognosis. It could have been a completely different story,” Annette said.<\/p>\n A mural of Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding in Stockport(Image: Manchester Evening News)<\/p>\n Annette underwent two surgeries at Wythenshawe Hospital<\/a> followed by radiotherapy at The Christie, and is now on preventive hormone therapy for five years. She will also have annual mammograms for peace of mind.<\/p>\n Annette said: “I feel very hopeful for the future. My cancer has been removed, and I’m in the best possible position to move forward.”<\/p>\n She added: “I am so grateful for this study and future studies like it, so that I know my daughters will be well looked after by the Breast Cancer Family History Risk and Prevention Clinic when the time comes.”<\/p>\n Annette has now urged others to take part in studies like BCAN-RAY and to regularly check their breasts.<\/p>\n “Many women I’ve met found their cancers by noticing changes. Please check your breasts regularly,” she adds.<\/p>\n Dr Sacha Howell from The University of Manchester<\/a>, The Christie NHS<\/a> Foundation Trust and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), leads the BCAN-RAY study and said: “This study was designed to identify women at increased risk of breast cancer. Annette’s experience shows exactly why this is so important. By detecting breast cancers at the very earliest stages, treatment is more straight forward and survival outcomes much better.<\/p>\n “We can also offer women approaches to prevent breast cancer to stop them developing the disease at all. Early detection may have saved Annette’s life, and we want to offer that same chance to many more women.”<\/p>\n Dr Dani Skirrow, Science Engagement Manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “Even in the darkest days of her cancer journey, Sarah Harding was a fearless advocate for research. She bravely faced up to the pain the cancer caused her, undergoing treatment whilst thinking of ways to help other women in a similar position.<\/p>\n “It is a fitting tribute to Sarah that the study supported by her legacy has taken us towards smarter ways to identify women who have a high risk of getting breast cancer when they’re young. We’re getting promising insights into how we could provide tailored support to these women in their thirties, offering them access to early screening and prevention opportunities. Annette’s story illustrates the powerful impact this could have in the future.<\/p>\n “Further research will be needed to refine the tools created as part of this study before they can be rolled out more widely. But the progress made by the BCAN-RAY study moves us closer to a world where people can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of breast cancer.”<\/p>\n![\"Sarah](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/0_Sarah-Harding-death.jpg\")
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