According to a presentation at the American Association for Cancer Research 102nd Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida this week, breast cancer can be detected earlier by analysis of breast milk. The researchers said that it can be done by the examination of the epithelial cells in breast milk as it may help in the assessment of an individual mother's risk. Epithelial cells are joined together by cell junctions and the epithelial cell layer is attached to the underlying connective tissue by a basement membrane.
Kathleen Arcaro of UMass Amherst said that about 80% of women give birth and the analysis of their breast milk could help in detecting breast cancer at an early stage. The technique is non invasive which is significant as the techniques which are in use these days including ductal lavage and nipple aspiration are invasive.
"This in itself is not enough; we need to look at a larger panel of genes. But to find these methylation differences between biopsied and non-biopsied breasts when we only looked at three genes is very interesting and encouraging. We're seeing differences not related to lactation or pregnancy,” said Arcaro to Medical News Today. He further added, “It clearly suggests that looking at a larger panel of genes would allow us to assess risk much more accurately, which leads to earlier detection of changes. A woman might be able to have her breast milk tested when she has a baby at age 25 or 30 and put her mind at ease, or give her an early warning." The researchers called for more studies to expand the number of genes.
