Back in the day, I was a Girls Aloud Stan (obsessive fan). I loved watching the girl band get put together on Pop Stars: The Rivals – which by the way was 24 years ago!.
In 2024 the band famously reformed to go on tour after losing their much loved friend and band mate Sarah Harding. Known for being the life and soul of the party, Sarah was a force to be reckoned with, full of laughs and full of life – even until her final moments, which Nadine Coyle fondly looks back on during her appearance on Olivia Atwood’s podcast ‘Olivia’s House’.
Nadine reflects at her disbelief when it came to Sarah’s breast cancer diagnosis and reminisces about their final Christmas together in 2020. Sarah tragically lost her life months later in September 2021, at just 39 years old.
Although Sarah was a celebrity in the spotlight, her diagnosis was unfortunately completely common and happens to 1 in 7 women in the UK who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
- Around 55,000 women are diagnosed every year, that’s over 150 every single day (Breast cancer now)
- 2,500 people under the age of 40 are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK, that’s 7 a day (coppafeel)
- In women aged 25–49, breast cancer accounts for 43% of all cancer cases diagnosed in that age group (The Menopaused medic)
- More than 2 in 5 women in the UK don’t check their breasts regularly (Breast cancer now)
Check out The complete guide to life insurance why women need it here
Early detection is so important
CoppaFeel recommends checking your chest once a month. You’re looking for anything that feels unusual for you. A lump, a change in shape, skin puckering, nipple discharge, or anything that just feels different.
You can sign up for a free monthly reminder at coppafeel.org. A text or email to nudge you to do the check. It takes 2 minutes and could save your life.
Sarah’s story definitely made me check my boobs more. In fact, so many friends said the same. I recently got checked out for a lump on my breast, luckily I got the all clear after a scan but there’s no denying that it was weighing heavily in the back of my mind until it was confirmed that the lump wasn’t anything sinister. It’s definitely made me conscious about checking any changes regularly.
It may be a good moment to pause and review your own protection arrangements and consider whether you have cover in place to support you and your family if you were ever faced with a serious diagnosis
Protecting yourself financially
Now could be the perfect time to sort your protection life admin. If you’re young, fit and healthy, you could be in the best possible position to lock in life insurance and critical illness cover at its most affordable.
Premiums are based on risk factors, including age and health. Depending on your circumstances, you might be able to secure lower premiums by taking out cover sooner rather than later.
Getting covered in your 20s or 30s means you’re locking in a lower monthly premium for the entire length of your policy.
We have a full life insurance guide here for you to read that breaks down some options available to you here
Take care,
Laura
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Financielle is an Introducer Appointed Representative of LifeSearch Partners Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA Registration Number: 656479.
Please note: this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always speak to a qualified financial adviser before making protection decisions.
