TV presenter Dawn Porter embarks on a very personal and emotional journey. Dawn explores the nature of breast cancer and the treatments, stigmas and genetics connected to the illness.
Dawn's own mother and great-grandmother died as young women from the disease and during the series Dawn will discover whether she herself is genetically predisposed to developing it.
Breast Cancer claims the lives of more women in the UK than any other disease. 1 in 9 women will contract it at some point in their lives. 12,000 women die from it each year.
Over three months, Dawn meets women (and men) who suffer from breast cancer, as well as undergoing tests herself. The danger for Dawn is considerable. Even before she embarks on any tests, Dawn discovers that her family history gives her a 40% chance of developing breast cancer. The genetic test results may therefore give Dawn an unenviable decision: whether to remove her breasts in order to prevent cancer developing in the first place.
Dawn Porter; “Breast cancer doesn’t only affect middle aged women. It affects young women like Kris (pictured centre above)... I want to raise awareness of the disease and change people’s perceptions. I’ve wanted to make this film ever since I started working in TV. I feel like it’s the most personal journey I’ve been on, and despite the often distressing moments for myself and contributors during filming I have never felt such satisfaction with a project. It has been an inspiring and exciting series. I hope it will educate, inform and offer a different perspective on breast cancer.”
Sky1 would like to thank the following organisations for their generous support in making of My Breasts Could Kill Me:
The Genesis Appeal - The Nightingale Centre & Genesis Prevention Centre
The Genesis Appeal is the only UK charity entirely dedicated to preventing breast cancer. Based in Manchester the Genesis Prevention Centre is Europe's first purpose built breast cancer prevention centre. It is headed by Professor Tony Howell, the UK’s first Professor of Cancer Prevention, and supported by a team of internationally recognised experts including Gareth Evans, Professor of Clinical Genetics and Nigel Bundred, Professor of Surgery. Sky1 and the producers of this programme would like to offer them a special thank you for their tireless support, dedication and expertise.
The Princess Grace Hospital
The Princess Grace Hospital is one of London's leading providers of healthcare services to the private sector and provides comprehensive facilities for inpatient and outpatient care.
Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline Tel 01629 813000 (24 hours) Helpline set up and run by Wendy Watson, to ensure that those worried about their family history had access to full information on all the options currently available.
Nicola Jane Mastectomy Fashion Wear
As the UK’s leading specialist Nicola Jane offers a wide selection of pocketed mastectomy bras, prostheses and pocketed mastectomy swimwear in the latest styles, suitable for all types of breast surgery.
Coppafeel
23-year old “cancer warrior” Kristin has created Coppafeel! as her full time endeavour. Her campaign allows her to tell her story to young women and spread the word about the importance of checking yourself.
Breast Cancer Haven
Free support, information and complementary therapies for anyone affected by breast cancer.
My New Hair
Recognising the importance of beautiful hair, Trevor Sorbie has launched a non-profit service for clients suffering medical hair loss.
