CANCER Research UK is encouraging people to 'Get in the Pink' during October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month and raise as much money as possible for future research. The charity provides £15 million annually for research into the disease, which is greater than any other group or organisation in the UK.

More than 40,000 women in this country are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, now the most common form of cancer in the UK. An estimated one in nine women develop the disease at some stage in their lives. That is the bad news.

The good news is the survival rate for breast cancer is higher than ever before, thanks to early detection rates and improved treatment. The NHS Breast Screening Programme saves at least 300 lives a year. Helen Kerr is one of the increasing number of women who won her battle against the disease.

Helen, aged 55, is a former deputy head teacher and now works on a voluntary basis for the Pershore branch of Cancer Research UK. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 1997 and underwent surgery and a six-month course of chemotherapy.

Helen said: "My family and friends were shocked and upset when I told them I had cancer, and I was extremely lucky to have a huge amount of support from my sister and her husband. But since then a lot of people I know have unfortunately also been diagnosed with breast cancer - I was the first in a long line."

"Breast cancer effects so many women and having been through it myself, I want to help anybody who has to go through the treatment. I think people are still frightened of breast cancer because everybody knows someone who has been effected by it. It can affect any woman at any age - there does not seem to be any one factor."

"It does make me angry to think of all the money that has gone into research but the disease has not yet been cracked. I am not criticising the medical profession because I cannot thank them highly enough for what they have done for me. But in the long-term the research to stop people getting the disease and providing even better treatment is just as important."

"I want very much to do my bit to raise money to find the answer and a cure. I just feel everyone should do what they can to help stamp it out. It is an awful clich but cancer has changed my outlook on life. I don't take things for granted and I really do appreciate life a lot more."

Helen's work for Cancer Research UK involves organising a variety of fundraising events, including coffee mornings and sponsored walks. During the summer she promoted a 40-mile sponsored boat row by her friend Anne Howarth, who also had breast cancer. It raised £3,000.

Dr Lesley Walker, Cancer Research UK's director of science information, said: "More women than ever are being diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK. Incidence has been increasing steadily and experts believe the trend is set to continue for some time to come."

She added: "But the good news is death rates have fallen by 22 per cent over the past decade thanks to improvements in treatment and the national screening programme."

One of the charity's biggest fundraising events taking place in October is Stride for Life, now in its second year. Similar to Race for Life, the series of 10km walks being held around the country is aimed at people of all ages and abilities.

The nearest Stride for Life event for Vale readers is being held at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire on Saturday, October 25. The emphasis is on having fun while stepping out in a place of natural beauty. For more information call 08701 602040 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org/strideforlife.

Helen Kerr and Anne Howarth are also willing to talk to local groups about their charity row event, with a small fee going to Cancer Research UK. Contact Helen on 01905 381425.