London’s King’s Cross tunnel has been illuminated in pink for the first time ever, marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) and this week’s National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day – in partnership with AstraZeneca UK and Breast Cancer Now.
With around 23% of breast cancer cases being preventable, the event underscores the vital importance of awareness, early detection and continued innovation in care.
Anna Arent, Head of Oncology, AstraZeneca UK, said: “Lighting up the King’s Cross Spur tunnel pink in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month draws awareness to breast cancer which, despite real progress in recent years, remains the most common cancer in the UK.
“Too many people still face poor outcomes, particularly those with advanced disease. This initiative shines a light on the ongoing need for awareness, early detection and continued research.”
Breast Cancer Now’s, Manveet Basra, associate director, public health, inclusion and awareness added: “We’re delighted AstraZeneca is lighting up the King’s Cross Spur tunnel pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month to support Breast Cancer Now and help raise awareness of the devastating disease with thousands of Londoners and beyond.
“Breast cancer is far from a done deal, with over 55,000 women and 400 men diagnosed every year in the UK. Every nine minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer and we know the sooner it is diagnosed, the better the chances of treatment being successful, and lives potentially being saved.
“With the number of women (45%) in the UK not regularly checking their breasts at a four-year high, it’s vital that women put regular breast checking at the top of their to-do list.
“We say it’s as simple as ‘TLC: Touch, Look, Check’. So we’re thrilled that a QR code will be featured at the entrance of the tunnel to help people learn the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and encourage everyone to be breast and chest aware.”