Breakthrough Breast Cancer

M&S has been working with Breakthrough Breast Cancer since 2001, raising over £8 million for Breakthrough's vital research, campaigning and education work.
Breast cancer is the number one health concern for women in the UK and occurs most frequently in women over fifty, making it a big issue for M&S customers

Breast Cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK, accounting for nearly 1 in 3 of all female cancers. Over 44,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK and 1,000 women will die every month from this disease.

As the UK's biggest retailer, selling more bra’s per week than anyone else on the British High Street - it is a natural fit for the business to work with the UK’s leading breast cancer charity.

In 2006 and 2007 our partnership was given the award for 'National Example of Excellence in Cause Related Business' by Business in the Community.

M&S raises money through donations on sales of specially designed products during Breast Cancer Awareness month in October and as part of the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer campaign in April-May.

Breakthrough Breast Cancer also benefits from a donation on the post surgery lingerie range which is sold all year round. In August 2006, M&S was the first high street retailer to launch a collection of post-surgery lingerie, suitable for women who have undergone breast surgery.

The collection was created to meet the practical needs of women affected by breast cancer while being pretty, feminine and sexy in design. All garments have been developed in consultation with Breakthrough supporters and M&S customers. The range carries a 10% donation to Breakthrough.

In addition to this, M&S employees also raise money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer every October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month by organising various fundraising activities in store.

You can also donate your foreign or outdated currency to Breakthrough at all of the M&S Bureaux des Changes counters across the country by using the Change 4 Change charity collection cans.