Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK with about 60,000 new diagnoses every year. That’s one person every 10 minutes.
This is a story of one those individuals making up that statistic, but this is by no means the story of one person.
This is the story of millions of women and men who are impacted by this life-altering diagnosis.
A story about their families, friends, loved ones and all those who rally around to make sure this catastrophic diagnosis is not a lonely and scarily solo endeavour.
Adele Sewell, from Croydon, is a married mother-of-one, who never expected to be affected by cancer.
“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 35, every bit of my life changed forever as for the first time I had to consider my mortality” the 51-year-old said.
“I wondered who would look after my daughter, only four years old at the time.”
A series of treatments and ongoing battles ensued as she was later diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Adele also discovered she had a gene mutation linked with causing cancer.
Adele said: “My two sisters Yvette, 55, and Anneta, 53, also found they have the BRCA gene mutation and have both had breast cancer.”
Angelina Jolie, who also has the genetic mutation, famously opted to have her ovaries removed as a cancer prevention measure.
There is a 50% chance of a parent with this mutation passing it to their children and this is the difficult conversation Adele had to have with her daughter.
Now in remission, Adele focuses much of her effort in campaigning and fundraising.
She supports Asda’s Tickled Pink campaign which has raised almost £50 million for Breast Cancer Care and Breast Cancer Now.
She credits her early diagnosis to the information she received through Breast Cancer Care and noted her appreciation for the support they offer.
She said: “Breast Cancer Care have been a lifeline to me, they helped me meet other women who have a similar experience, which gave me strength and reassurance.”
You may know someone who makes this story very familiar.
A friend, a family member or you may personally have been affected by breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this October, is a perfect time to show support to those affected by breast cancer and charities working to give the care and support that means so much to affected families and individuals.
Adele supports Asda’s Proud to be Pink campaign for Tickled Pink, supporting Breast Cancer Now and Breast Cancer Care.
To help celebrate 20 years and contribute to £50 million raised go in store or visit George.com to purchase this year’s must have products this breast cancer awareness month.
Adele expressed her gratitude to the charity supporters saying: “Because of Asda’s amazing colleagues, customers and suppliers, Tickled Pink has helped Breast Cancer Care to change the lives of millions of women and their families.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone that’s been part of raising these vital funds over the past 20 years.
“It means people like me get vital support in local communities when they need it most.”
