Sarah Harding: Cancer study in memory of singer will look for early signs
One of the star's final wishes was to find new ways of spotting breast cancer early
Last updated 27th Jun 2023
A major cancer research project based in Greater Manchester, in memory of singer Sarah Harding, will look for early signs of breast cancer in young women.
Harding, who was part of the pop group Girls Aloud, died from the disease aged 39 in 2021 and one of her final wishes was to find new ways of spotting breast cancer early, when it is more treatable.
The new Breast Cancer Risk Assessment in Young Women (Bcan-Ray) project will become one of the first in the world to identify which women are at risk of getting the disease in their 30s.
Around 2,300 women aged 39 and under are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year.
The project, which will run in Greater Manchester, is being made possible thanks to funding from the Christie Charity, Cancer Research UK and the Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal, which is supported by Harding's family, friends and Girls Aloud bandmates Cheryl Tweedy, Kimberley Walsh, Nadine Coyle and Nicola Roberts.
Speaking about the study before her death, Harding said: "Research is incredibly important in the fight against cancer.
"Although this research may not be in time to help me, this project is incredibly close to my heart as it may help women like me in the future."
Harding was treated at the Christie cancer hospital in Manchester.
Catherine Craven-Howe, 33, from Hale in south Manchester, is the first person to take part in the new trial.
She is studying medicine at Liverpool University while working as a healthcare assistant in an eating disorders unit.
Her first appointment included a low dose mammogram to assess her breast density and a saliva sample for genetic testing.
She said: "Although I don't have breast cancer myself and I don't have a history of it in my family, I know just how important clinical trials and research are.
"I hope my participation will help devise a simple test to detect the likelihood of breast cancer for young women like me in the future."
Eight to 10 weeks after her appointment, Ms Craven-Howe will receive feedback about her risk of breast cancer.
Later, she will undertake a psychological impact questionnaire and receive a breast cancer risk statement at end of the study, likely to be in 2025.
The project aims to examine the risk factors most commonly found in women diagnosed with breast cancer in their 30s with the hope of building a model to identify these women in the future.
Researchers hope their findings will enable all women to have a risk assessment for breast cancer when they reach the age of 30, with those deemed high risk given access to early screening and opportunities to prevent cancer developing.
The study will recruit 1,000 women aged between 30 and 39, including 250 with breast cancer but no family history of the disease.
The saliva samples will also help experts from the Christie and Cancer Research UK establish which types and patterns of genes are implicated in cancer, with a view to developing personalised risk scores.
These can be combined with other breast cancer risk factors such as when a woman's periods started, alcohol intake and use of the contraceptive pill.
The density of breast tissue may also play a part in the level of risk of getting the disease.
Harding's consultant, Dr Sacha Howell, who is leading the Bcan-Ray study, said: "Sarah spoke to me many times about breast cancer research and was really keen for more to be done to find out why young women are being diagnosed without any other family members having been affected by the disease.
"There are too many young women in their 30s like Sarah tragically dying from breast cancer and we need to find out how we can more accurately identify those in whom it will develop.
"Currently the only indicator we have is based on family history but this only helps predict one third of cases.
"While there is research available in the over 40s, this will be the first study in young women.
"With breast cancer still the leading cause of death in women under 50, we need to find ways to identify those most at risk and offer them breast screening to detect cancers earlier, when treatment is more likely to be successful."
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of 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.
"Since Sarah's death, it has been inspiring to see people coming together in her memory to support life-saving research.
"The money raised in Sarah's name will go a long way towards diagnosing breast cancer earlier in younger women.
"The Bcan-Ray project will fulfil Sarah's dying wish to help women like her. By harnessing the power of cutting-edge science, we can look forward to the day where all women can live free from the fear of breast cancer."
Girls Aloud's biggest career moments through the years:
2002: Girls Aloud are born on Popstars: The Rivals
After weeks of auditions and live shows on TV talent show Popstars: The Rivals, Cheryl Tweedy, Nadine Coyle, Nicola Roberts, Sarah Harding and Kimberley Walsh all won a place in the band, forming Girls Aloud!
2002: Girls Aloud battle with One True Voice for Christmas Number 1
After winning a place in the band, the five girls then battled against Popstars: The Rivals boyband One True Voice for the all-important 2002 Christmas Number 1.
Despite many thinking One True Voice would have a landslide victory, Girls Aloud's 'Buy girls, Bye boys' campaign took off alongside their debut single 'Sound of the Underground, catapulting their single to Number 1 in the UK Charts for an impressive four weeks.
2003: Debut album 'Sound of the Underground' released
Following the success of their debut single, Girls Aloud delighted fans in May 2003, dropping their first ever album 'Sound of the Underground'.
The album, which featured singles 'No Go Advice' and 'Life Got Cold', debuted at Number 1 in the UK Charts and was later certified platinum.
2004: 'The Show', 'Love Machine' and second album 'What Will The Neighbours Say?'
A second album from Girls Aloud was never in doubt following the success of 'Sound of the Underground', and in November 2004 the girls delivered with 'What Will The Neighbours Say?'
As well as receiving rave reviews by both fans and critics, the album was made up of five top-10 singles, including massive hits 'Love Machine' and 'The Show', which both charted at Number 1 in the UK Charts.
2004: Children In Need single 'I'll Stand By You' Hits Number 1
After narrowly missing out on the Number 1 spot with their previous two singles taken off the album 'What Will The Neighbours Say?', Girls Aloud hit the top spot when they covered The Pretenders' 1994 hit 'I'll Stand By You' for Children In Need in 2004.
2005: Girls Aloud receive first BRIT Award nomination
The girls were nominated for their first ever BRIT Award in 2005 in the Best Pop Act category. Despite attending the ceremony in February with high-hopes, McFly were announced as the winners on the prestigious night.
2005: Girls Aloud embark on first ever tour
Supporting their second studio album 'What Will The Neighbours Say?', the girls embarked on their first ever tour in 2005, performing at theatre-sized venues.
The 'What Will The Neighbours Say' tour ran across 22 dates between May-June across the UK and Ireland.
2005: Girls On Film
Girls Aloud gave their fans a massive treat in 2005, releasing a DVD called Girls On Film, made up of all of their music videos to date, fan Q&As, behind-the-scenes footage and a Christmas TV ad!
2005: 'Chemistry' album release
Girls Aloud released their third studio album 'Chemistry' in December 2005, featuring tracks like 'Long Hot Summer', 'See The Day', and 'Whole Lotta History'.
Despite missing out on a top 10 spot in the UK Charts, the album was certified platinum and included hit single 'Biology', which was described by music journalist Peter Cashmore as 'the best pop single of the last decade' at the time of release.
2006: First arena tour and change of record labels
After being moved from Polydor Records to Fascination Records, Girls Aloud embarked on their first ever arena tour, albeit only including 10 dates across the UK and Ireland.
The tour took kicked off in May and ended at the start of June 2006, with a set-list including songs from their 'Chemistry' album, as well as a number of their earlier hits.
2006: Girls Aloud hit V Festival
Following their previous chart success, Girls Aloud were invited to perform an up-beat set at V Festival in the summer of 2006.
The girl band performed 10 songs in total, including a cover of Robyn's 'With Every Heartbeat', and hit singles, 'Love Machine', 'Biology', and 'Can't Speak French'.
2006: Girls Aloud land their own TV show, Off The Record
Girls Aloud fans were given an in-depth look at the ups and downs of being in a girl band when Girls Aloud: Off The Record aired on E4.
The six-part series followed the girls as they prepared for their 'Chemistry' tour, as well as visiting countries such as Ibiza, Greece and China.
The popular show also gave fans an insight into Cheryl, Nicola, Nadine, Kimberley and Sarah's personal lives, with cameras following Cheryl and her husband at the time Ashley Cole on a date night.
2006: Greatest Hits album and record breakers
Following four years at the top, which included three albums and two tours, Girls Aloud released a greatest hits album called 'The Sound of Girls Aloud: The Greatest Hits', which debuted at Number 1 on the UK Album Chart.
The album was also accompanied by brand new single 'Something Kinda Ooooh', helping the girls become the first British act to reach the UK Top 5 on download sales only.
2007: Girls Aloud team up with the Sugababes for Comic Relief
In 2007, Girls Aloud and fellow girl band the Sugababes collaborated to release a cover of Aerosmith single 'Walk This Way' to help raise money for Comic Relief.
Dubbed Sugababes vs. Girls Aloud, the single went on to hit Number 1 in the UK Charts, Girls Aloud's third single to reach the top spot.
2007: Girls Aloud embark on their 'Greatest Hits' Tour
Following the release of their album 'The Sound of Girls Aloud: The Greatest Hits' in 2006, the girls hit the road again for their third concert tour in 2007.
The tour was a great success for the band, starting in Newcastle on 14th May, and coming to a close on 2nd June in Belfast.
2007: 'Tangled Up' album release
Girls Aloud dropped their fourth studio album in November 2007, with 'Tangled Up' hitting Number 4 in the UK Charts and gaining certified platinum status.
The album featured singles 'Call The Shots', 'Sexy No No No...', and 'Can't Speak French'.
2007: Girls Aloud make cameo appearance in St. Trinian's
Girls Aloud turned to the world of film in 2007 when the girls made a cameo appearance as the school band in hit movie St. Trinian's.
The group also recorded the lead single from the movie's soundtrack, titled 'Theme to St Trinian's'.
2008: The Passions of Girls Aloud airs
Following on from their first TV show Off The Record back in 2006, the girls landed an ITV2 show called The Passions of Girls Aloud, which followed Cheryl, Nicola, Kimberley and Sarah taking on new 'passions'.
Cheryl chose breakdancing, Sarah tried out Polo, Nicola released her own make-up range, and Kimberley followed her dreams of appearing in the West End.
Nadine didn't take part in the show.
2008: Second BRIT nomination and 'Tangled Up' tour
Girls Aloud landed their second ever BRIT Award nomination in 2008 for Best British Group, but sadly, the girls lost out to the Arctic Monkeys.
Later that year, Girls Aloud delighted fans by embarking on their 'Tangled Up' tour, performing at 34 different dates across the UK and Ireland between May-June.
2008: Girls Aloud release autobiography Dreams That Glitter
In October 2008, Girls Aloud released their debut book, an autobiography called Dreams That Glitter. The book included stories about their time in the band, their personal lives and even some style tips!
Following a book signing at Waterstones in London, Dreams That Glitter became a best-seller just months later.
2O08: Final studio album 'Out Of Control' released
Following a busy 2008, Girls Aloud rounded off the year by dropping their fifth and final studio album 'Out Of Control' in November.
The album, which featured hits like 'The Promise', 'The Loving Kind', and 'Untouchable', hit Number 1 in the UK Charts and went on to become Girls Aloud's best-selling studio album.
2009: Girls Aloud win their first ever BRIT Award
After a number of unsuccessful attempts, Girls Aloud won their first ever BRIT Award in 2009, picking up the award for Best British Single for their hit single 'The Promise'.
The girls also performed their award-winning track on the night, in front of an A-list audience.
2009: 'Out Of Control' tour
Although originally only a 10-date tour, due to massive demand Girls Aloud later released more dates for their 'Out Of Control' tour, performing 32 dates throughout April-June.
The set-list for the show was made up of hits mainly from their album of the same name, as well as some Girls Aloud classics.
2009: Girls Aloud announce one-year hiatus
After many years at the top, Girls Aloud announced in July 2009 that the band would be taking a year long hiatus in order to work on solo projects.
In this time, Cheryl dropped her debut solo album '3 Words', featuring Number 1 single 'Fight For This Love'.
2010: Girls Aloud support Coldplay at Wembley
Just two months after announcing their hiatus, Girls Aloud briefly reunited to support Coldplay at Wembley Stadium! The girls performed two shows alongside American rapper Jay-Z.
Despite revealing a new album would arrive later in 2010, this didn't materialise, with the band taking three years off.
2012: Girls Aloud reunite
After three years apart, Cheryl, Nadine, Nicola, Sarah and Kimberley delighted their fans in 2013 by announcing they would be making a comeback to celebrate Girls Aloud's 10th anniversary!
2012: 'Ten' album
To go with the band's 10th anniversary plans, Girls Aloud released a greatest hits album called 'Ten' in November 2012, featuring three brand new singles including 'Something New', 'On The Metro' and 'Beautiful 'Cause You Love Me'.
2012: Comeback single 'Something New' released for Children In Need
Girls Aloud scored another Number 2 on the UK Charts when they released charity comeback single 'Something New' for Children In Need in 2012.
The band performed the hit track live during the official Children In Need fundraiser in November 2012.
2012: Girls Aloud meet The Queen
Returning to The Royal Variety Performance in December 2012 to perform their hit single 'The Promise', Cheryl, Nadine, Nicola, Sarah and Kimberley were introduced to Her Majesty The Queen backstage.
2012: 10 Years at the Top
To celebrate 10 years since Girls Aloud were formed on Popstars: The Rivals, ITV commissioned a one-off celebratory TV show called Girls Aloud: 10 Years at the Top.
Airing in December 2012, the documentary highlighted the group's success across the last decade.
2013: The 'Ten' tour
To support their 'Ten' album, Girls Aloud embarked on their sixth and final arena tour throughout February-March, playing 20 dates to their beloved fans.
The group's final tour made an impressive £7.8 million, with a DVD release titled Ten – The Hits Tour being released later in 2013.
2013: Girls Aloud split for good
Just hours after performing their final show at The Echo Arena in Liverpool on 20th March 2013, Girls Aloud announced they would be splitting up for good.
The girls released the following statement, "Dear Alouders, we just want to say from the bottom of our hearts Thank you!! This tour has been an amazing experience and the perfect chance to say thank you for being on this journey with us through a decade. It has far exceeded any of our dreams and we hope we are forever your inspiration and reminder that dreams really do glitter!! Your love and support will stay with us forever but we have now come to the end of our incredible time together. Love you lots."
2023: Girls Aloud announce a re-release of 'Sound Of The Undergroud'
Girls Aloud announce the re-release of both their debut song 'Sound Of The Underground' and their album of the same name. The new version of the song is an alternative vocal mix, and the album will feature a number of unheard versions of songs along with photos.
2023: Girls Aloud reunite
After years of reunion rumours, in November 2023 Girls Aloud announced they'd officially reunited! The group announced a huge arena tour for May/June 2024, in what they are calling a celebration of Sarah.
2023: Girls Aloud celebrate 21st anniversary
Just one week after announcing their comeback, Girls Aloud celebrated the 21st anniversary of forming on Popstars: The Rivals on 30th November 2023. Sharing a number of photos from over the years on social media, the girls wrote: 'Today marks 21 years to the day since #GirlsAloud were formed…little did we know what lay ahead for us individually or as a band. Its been a rollercoaster and you have been by our side through it all 💖'. (sic)
2024: Girls Aloud's reunion tour
After five weeks of intense rehearsals, Chery, Nadine, Nicola and Kimberley finally kicked off their 2024 tour on Friday 17th May. The first show took place in Dublin, before they headed off around the UK. The tour was a huge hit with both fans and critics, with the final show taking place in Liverpool on Sunday 30th June.
2024: Girls Aloud achieve biggest arena tour of 2024
Following their reunion tour in 2024, it was revealed in July that the band have the biggest arena tour of 2024 to date. All members of the group and everybody associated with the tour were given a special plaque (pictured) to celebrate the milestone.
2024: Girls Aloud headline Brighton Pride Festival
On Saturday 3rd August 2024, Girls Aloud took the stage at Brighton and Hove Pride, performing their biggest hits to the sold-out crowd. Changing up their set-list slightly, the show included a cover of Madonna's 'Material Girl', with hits like 'The Loving Kind' and 'Watch Me Go' also included.
Many fans think this could be the group's last ever performance. Of course, we are all hoping it isn't!
Now read:
Girls Aloud members host fundraising gala on honour of Sarah Harding
Cheryl: Everything you need to know about the Girls Aloud singer
Girls Aloud: The girl band's biggest career moments