GIRLS Aloud star Sarah Harding urged fans to check their breasts for signs of cancer in the months before her death.
Sarah's mum announced on Sunday the star had died of breast cancer, after a diagnosis in August 2020.
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Sarah said she had been experiencing pain in her breast, thinking it was a cyst. But then her skin started to bruise, which left her "terrified".
The singer, who rose to fame in 2002 after being a contestant on Popstars: The Rivals, admitted she'd used the Covid lockdown "as an excuse not to face up to the fact that something was very wrong".
She was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer and told she would unlikely make it to Christmas 2021.
Sarah underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy in a bid to prolong her life.
"Please girls - please everyone - don't let anything get in your way - get checked out if you're worried about something," she wrote in Hear Me Out, published in March 2021.
"Of course, I can't know for sure, but I believe that if I'd got things moving with appointments and check-ups faster than I did, I'd probably be in a better place than I am now.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK and often affects women over 50 although anyone can develop it – even men.
Around one in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer, although recovery chances are high if detected early.
What are the signs and symptoms?
According to Breast Cancer Now, the signs of breast cancer include:
- A lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest or armpit
- A change to the skin, such as puckering or dimpling
- A change in the colour of the breast – the breast may look red or inflamed
- A nipple change, for example it has become pulled in (inverted)
- Rash or crusting around the nipple
- Unusual liquid (discharge) from either nipple
- Changes in size or shape of the breast
- Pain in the breast or armpit - although this alone is not usually a sign of breast cancer, look out for persistent pain that's there all the time
You should see a doctor if you notice any change to the breast. Even though it probably is not cancer, catching it early will improve the odds of survival.
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Sarah had secondary breast cancer, which is when cancer cells spread from the breast to other parts of the body. At this point, it is no longer curable.
The signs of this are:
- Feeling sick most of the time
- Severe or ongoing headaches
- A dry cough or feeling of breathlessness
- Any lumps or swellings under the arm, breastbone or collarbone
- Discomfort or swelling under the ribs or across the upper abdomen
- Loss of balance of any weakness or numbness of the limbs
- Pain in the bones which may worsen at night
- Feeling more tired than usual
- Altered vision or speech
- Unexpected weight loss, loss of appetite
What age should you go for breast cancer screening?
Around two million women are screened for breast cancer each year.
The NHS Breast Screening Programme is currently for women aged between 50 and 70, and involves screening every three years.
In some parts of England, this has been opened to women aged 47 to 73 years old as part of a trial.
Women are called to a mammogram, which is an image of the breasts obtained by mammography.
Mammography is used for the early detection of breast cancer and involves an X-ray of the breasts.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) an annual, worldwide campaign.
There are events held across the UK and the world to "highlight the importance of breast awareness, education and research."
People also wear pink, and the hashtag #wearitpink is used throughout October, and people can also wear a ribbon in support. You can find out more information and ways to get involved by visiting the Wear It Pink website.
How to check for breast cancer?
There is a five-step self exam you can do at home to check for any changes.
- Step one: Begin by looking in a mirror, facing it with your arms on your hips and your shoulders straight. You should be looking for any dimpling, puckering, bulging skin, redness, soreness, a rash or changes in the nipple.
- Step two: Still looking in the mirror, raise both arms above your head and check for the same changes.
- Step three: With your arms still above your head, check for any fluid coming from the nipples. This can include milky, yellow or watery fluid, or blood.
- Step four: While lying down use your opposite hand to check each breast. Using a few fingers, keeping them flat and together, go in a small circular motion around your breasts. Make sure you feel the entire breast by going top to bottom in these small circles. It helps to develop a system or pattern to make sure every inch is covered. Use light pressure for the skin and tissue just beneath, medium pressure for the tissue in the middle of your breasts, and firm pressure to feel the tissue at the back, feeling down to your ribcage.
- Step five: Feel your breasts while either standing or sitting, using the same small circular motions.
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What if you spot any changes in your breast?
It is important to regularly check your breasts for any changes. Breast tissue reaches all the way up to your collarbone and across to your armpit, so it’s vital to check these areas too.
If you feel or see any changes in your breast you should always consult your GP.
Charity CoppaFeel! recommends checking your breasts monthly, so you can pick up on any changes quickly.
Breasts do change naturally as part of your monthly menstrual cycle, so you should get to know your breasts, how they feel and what changes they usually go through to know if anything is out of the ordinary.
If you’re pregnant your breasts will go through a lot of changes, and probably will never look the same.
Be aware of any new changes, and keep checking them regularly.
During the menopause breasts may also change size and shape, but it is still important to see your doctor over any new changes.
If any changes or lumps need further treatment, your GP may recommend a mammogram or a biopsy.
Charity Breast Cancer Now and CoppaFeel! have more information and support for people who have been diagnosed, are living with or in remission from breast cancer. The NHS website also has a page dedicated to breast cancer.
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