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Breast Milk Holds Key to Early Cancer Detection?
3 Oct
Summary
- Researchers are analyzing breast milk for DNA that could detect cancer sooner.
- Pregnancy-related breast cancer is often diagnosed later, with worse outcomes.
- Study aims to create a biobank of breast milk samples for future research.
A pioneering study led by the University of Manchester is exploring the potential of analyzing breast milk for early breast cancer detection. Researchers are assessing if circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in breast milk can identify the disease sooner than traditional blood tests or imaging scans, which can be unreliable during pregnancy and lactation.
Pregnancy-related breast cancer, which affects approximately one in 3,000 pregnancies, is often diagnosed at a later stage, significantly worsening survival outcomes. This new research aims to develop more reliable detection methods, particularly for women with a heightened risk due to factors like genetic faults or family history.
The study involves collecting breast milk samples from women to create a Manchester Breast Biofluid Biobank. Scientists have already identified fragments of genetic material shed by cells in donated breast milk samples, a crucial step in understanding its unique DNA structure. This research, funded by The Christie Charity, could lead to a screening tool for high-risk individuals.
This initiative is part of The Christie Charity's commitment to funding vital research. If successful, the findings could provide reassurance for high-risk women considering breastfeeding, who are often advised to stop early for medical imaging. The goal is to enable game-changing discoveries in cancer detection.
