How did the researchers proceed? By collecting samples of breast milk from 3 women with breast cancer and 3 women without the disease. Using the technique known as liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, they compared protein levels between the two groups: cancer and no cancer. A total of 23 biomarkers associated with tumor development have been identified.
Why breast milk?
The scientists set out on this track knowing that breast milk is an important source of “proteins, epithelial cells and immune cells”. So many markers “delivering important information on the mechanisms at work in the female body at chest level”.
Note that these biomarkers found in breast milk are also present in the blood. The blood sample would therefore allow this same identification.
This approach could complement screening linked to mammography, or even anticipate the use of this early identification, knowing that mammograms are recommended as part of screening organized between 50 and 74 years old, an age group in which women are over-exposed. risk of breast tumor. Or on a case-by-case basis for women with a high or very high risk* of developing this cancer. This automatically excludes younger women in whom the risk of breast tumor is not zero.
“Further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm the effectiveness of this technique,” say the researchers. “If so, this search for biomarkers in breast milk or blood could totally change the way women are screened,” says Dr Whitham. “Which would increase life expectancy in the female population. »
*women with a personal or family medical history, or certain genetic predispositions
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