- Researchers at the University of Manchester are analysing breast milk to determine whether circulating tumour DNA can detect breast cancer earlier than standard tests.
- The study aims to address diagnosis challenges during pregnancy and post-partum, periods when cancer risk rises and traditional imaging is often unreliable.
- Funded by The Christie Charity, the research is initially recruiting 40 breastfeeding women to build a biobank of over 200 samples for future study.
- Scientists have already identified unique fragments of genetic material in donated samples, marking a major step forward in understanding breast milk DNA.
- If proven effective, the non-invasive approach could provide a screening tool for high-risk mothers without requiring them to stop breastfeeding.
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