Urgent: Breast Milk ‘Heel Test’ for Mothers Could Revolutionize Postpartum Cancer Detection
Córdoba, Spain – A groundbreaking research project in Spain is generating immense hope for mothers and a potential paradigm shift in breast cancer detection. The HERA project, spearheaded by researchers at the Maimónides Institute for Biomedical Research of Córdoba (Imibic), is aiming to predict the risk of developing postpartum breast cancer – a rare but particularly aggressive form – through analysis of a simple breast milk sample. The response from expectant and new mothers has been nothing short of overwhelming, with 15,000 applications received in just six days.
The Silent Threat: Postpartum Breast Cancer
For years, the link between pregnancy and an increased risk of certain breast cancers remained largely unknown. Oncologist Juan de la Haba at the Reina Sofía Hospital in Córdoba first began to suspect a connection over a decade ago, after a patient developed cancer following her first pregnancy and feared recurrence. His observations sparked a dedicated investigation that revealed a sobering reality: between 10% and 15% of women may develop breast cancer five to ten years after giving birth. What’s particularly alarming is that this type of cancer accounts for up to 60% of all breast cancers diagnosed in women under 45 – an age group where routine mammograms aren’t typically recommended.
This late diagnosis often means the cancer is more advanced, making treatment more challenging. The physiological changes of preparing for breastfeeding, researchers believe, temporarily suppress the immune system, creating an environment where tumor cells can proliferate more rapidly. “The changes that occur in the breast when preparing for breastfeeding cause the immune system to become depressed and that allows tumor cells to grow and develop faster,” explains Javier Cantero, coordinator of the HERA project.
From Biobank to Breakthrough: The HERA Project
The HERA project began two years ago with an ambitious goal: to create the world’s largest breast milk biobank. Researchers sought samples from at least 2,000 mothers, intending to preserve them for future analysis once some participants developed cancer. The effort proved remarkably successful, garnering over 3,000 samples from across Andalusia. Now, with the launch of the second phase, the project is expanding nationwide, offering kits to 15,000 women across Spain.
The process is remarkably simple. Mothers only need to request a kit, deposit three drops of breast milk from each breast onto a provided card, and mail it back to Imibic – a process Cantero likens to the newborn heel prick test. Already, eight mothers participating in the initial phase have been diagnosed with postpartum cancer and are receiving treatment, providing invaluable data for the research.
What the Future Holds: Personalized Prevention
While the project is still in its early stages, the potential impact is enormous. Researchers are meticulously analyzing the molecular composition of the breast milk samples, searching for biomarkers that could predict cancer risk. Cantero cautions that they aren’t yet able to establish a definitive risk assessment, but anticipates having preliminary results within five years.
“This will allow us to analyze the molecular characteristics of breast milk from those women who develop cancer, and verify its predictive power and develop a test,” he states. The ultimate goal is to identify women at higher risk who, due to their age, fall outside the current screening guidelines, allowing for earlier intervention and potentially life-saving treatment.
Currently, Spain recommends mammograms every two years for women aged 50-69, with some regions starting at 45. However, the incidence of breast cancer is increasing in women under 45, partly attributed to the trend of delaying childbirth. While breastfeeding offers some protective benefits, its effectiveness diminishes with maternal age. The HERA project aims to fill this critical gap in preventative care.
Beyond the milk samples, researchers are also looking at other indicators, such as “rejection of the breast” – when a baby refuses to nurse – coupled with the discovery of a lump. Any such combination warrants immediate medical attention.
The HERA project isn’t just a Spanish initiative; it’s a pioneering effort on the global stage. Researchers have been sharing their findings at international cancer conferences for the past three years, garnering attention and collaboration. If successful, this simple, personalized approach to breast cancer prevention could benefit countless women worldwide.
The overwhelming response to the HERA project underscores a powerful truth: mothers are willing to do anything to protect their health and the future of their families. This collective effort is bringing us closer to a world where postpartum breast cancer is detected earlier, treated more effectively, and ultimately, prevented. Stay tuned to archyde.com for further updates on this vital research and other breaking news in health and science.
