Pop star Anastacia has announced a partnership with Cancer Research UK and is making a personal donation to the charity during her time on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing to help fund more life-saving research into breast cancer.  Following the first live shows this weekend, the 48 year old US singer, who has fought breast cancer twice, has confirmed that she wants to give back as much as she can to help fund research into the disease.

Anastacia said: “After beating breast cancer twice, I’m really passionate about trying to do something to help change the odds for others who are affected by this terrible disease. It’s so important for everyone to know what’s normal for them and see their doctor with any changes, as spotting cancer at an early stage can make a huge difference. 

“Once I realised I was doing Strictly, I immediately tried to think of how I could use it to do something positive. So I’m making a personal donation to Cancer Research UK, and during my time on the show I hope to raise even more money through donations to fund the charity’s world-leading scientists to help improve the outlook for women with breast cancer.

“To be able raise awareness and people’s spirits is all I want to do, so I’m going to hit that dance floor every weekend, to not only try my best to win the competition, but with an extra incentive knowing every penny I receive will help beat cancer sooner.”

The money donated to Cancer Research UK will be restricted to breast cancer research.  The singer wants to encourage fans, friends and supporters to donate to help raise funds for research into breast cancer to help improve survival.

The disease has been part of Anastacia’s life twice over the last decade.  She was first diagnosed in 2003 aged 24 and then again in 2013, after which she took a career break for two years. 

Breast cancer survival has doubled in the UK since the 1970s thanks partly to earlier detection and better treatments, but every year around 53,700 are diagnosed with the disease. Cutting down on alcohol, being more physically active and keeping a healthy weight can all help reduce the risk of breast cancer.

For more information about Anastacia supporting Cancer Research UK’s work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and to make a donation visit cruk.org/Anastacia    

For Cancer Research UK media enquiries, please contact Jenna Coles on 020 3469 8076 or email jenna.coles@cancer.org.uk