Predict the risk of cancer ... breast milk?

Scientists believe that its cells can be used in early diagnosis

Experts oncologists from the University of Massachusetts are engaged in new methods of early diagnosis of breast cancer. So they argue that the risk of this disease in women can be predicted by the presence of certain genes in breast milk. They examined 270 samples of milk in nursing mothers. All of these women have either gone breast biopsy to check for tumor markers, or had to go through.

First, experts have identified the cells that could potentially become cancerous. It was on the epithelial cells. Particular attention was drawn to a gene called SFRP1.

Its level was significantly elevated in women whose breast tissue biopsy showed the presence of pre-cancerous cells. And the same experiment, the level of the member of the gene-oncosupressor was markedly exceeded and in breast milk.

According to one study author Dr. Caitlin Arkar, it turns out that the cells of breast milk can determine the risk of developing breast cancer, according to Xinhua. It is known that breast cancer has a genetic component (approximately 15% of cases it is inherited through the female line, of course). Breast milk is also a carrier of genetic information. However, in the near future oncology testing on cells of breast milk is unlikely to be put into practice. It is found to be associated with only one gene. As oncologists say that the methodology was reliable, it needs a larger set of genes, warning about the risk of cancer.

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