AN ASTONISHING one in nine women in the United Kingdom will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, writes Emily Bridgewater.

It is the most common form of cancer in women, with more than 40,000 cases discovered each year.

However, during the last 10 years, with advances in modern medicine, there has been continuous decline in mortality rates and now around two thirds of women who are diagnosed are successfully treated.

Bromsgrove woman Jessica Hawkesworth knows only too well the importance of research into cancer treatments.

She has just seen her mum, Debbie, go through the successful treatment of breast cancer and was only too happy to do her bit for Cancer Research UK.

By the end of this month, 25-year-old Jess will have completed all six of the Midlands Race for Life Events, which are held in aid of the charity.

Cancer Research UK raises vital funds for research, treatment, curing and preventing cancer that affects women's lives.

Jess remembers the day her mum found a lump in her breast, while they were away on holiday on the Greek island of Paxos last August.

"It was our first night in Paxos when mum found a lump in her breast," explained Jess.

"At first she thought it was a mosquito bite and tried to put it at the back of her mind because there was nothing she could do until we got home two weeks later. But we were all worried about it."

Debbie, assistant headteacher at Rigby Hall School, Bromsgrove, went to see a number of consultants on her return and was eventually diagnosed with breast cancer.

"It was really devastating, although I think mum was just relieved to discover what the lump was and then set about getting it treated," said Jess, an assistant product manager for Beiersdorf, the local company behind Nivea.

Debbie was treated at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch and at the Walsgrave Hospital in Coventry and has just completed seven months of successful chemotherapy and radiography.

"Mum has been really positive throughout the treatment, and all of the medical staff have been truly brilliant," she added.

With four of the six Race for Life events under her belt, Jess now only has the Birmingham East and Bromsgrove runs left to complete.

The former Bromsgrove Sports Personality of the Year has received a great deal of support from Beiersdorf, who have made Cancer Research UK their official charity.

Jess explained: "When Beiersdorf asked people to volunteer to run six Midlands races, I was one of the first to put my name down. They have been really supportive to all the staff who are taking part and have even organised training sessions and offered to donate a pound to Cancer Research UK for every pound raised by us."

Proud mum Debbie added: "Jess has always been sporty and when she found out that people where she works were getting behind Race for Life there was no holding her back.

"I'm sure she will raise lots of money for what is a very worthwhile cause."

The Bromsgrove Race for Life will take place on Sunday, July 27, in Sanders Park in Kidderminster Road. Women are still able to sign up for the 5km event.

For further details about Race for Life call 08705 134 314.