In a very real way, the whole family has cancer. Traditionally, we thought of the disease being contained within the patient. But if we look at it from the other lens, we see how it hits the emotions and social relationships of families.

You're in your 40s and you've got breast cancer, but everybody in your family has died of a heart attack. It's clear that for the appropriate people this is going to be the appropriate treatment.

Well you know how some people have cancer in their family and some have heart disease. My family was basically heart disease,

Well you know how some people have cancer in their family and some have heart disease. My family was basically heart disease.

In 2005, cancer may still be the disease that cannot speak its name, but it is also the great leveller - cutting across divisions of class, income, status and success - and, sadly, so ubiquitous that few people's lives are untouched by it. Almost without exception, those we approached gave their time and reminiscences not only with great open-heartedness but with touching concern for my own welfare.

We felt it was very important to offer this line of products year-round because breast cancer is a disease that can strike at any time,