Doctors just revealed a game-changer in cancer prevention—Here's what you need to know
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There’s some truly exciting news in the world of cancer research, and it could change the way we think about breast cancer forever.
Scientists in Scotland have made a breakthrough that could help prevent breast cancer from spreading—a development that may one day save thousands of lives, especially among those of us over 60, who are at higher risk.
Let’s break down what this means, why it’s so important, and what you can do right now to protect yourself and your loved ones.
For years, researchers have been trying to understand exactly how breast cancer cells manage to break away from the original tumour and set up shop elsewhere in the body—a process called metastasis. This is the stage when cancer becomes much harder to treat and far more dangerous.
Now, a team from the University of Glasgow and Cancer Research UK has discovered a key part of this process.
They found that breast cancer cells hijack the metabolism of certain immune cells, causing them to release a protein called uracil. This uracil acts like a 'scaffold,' giving cancer cells a structure to latch onto and grow in new organs.
Here’s the really clever bit: the scientists managed to block the formation of this uracil scaffold in mice by targeting an enzyme called uridine phosphorylase-1 (UPP1).
When they did this, the mice’s immune systems were able to fight off the secondary cancer cells, stopping the spread in its tracks.
This discovery could be a game-changer. If doctors can detect uracil in the blood, it might become possible to spot the earliest signs of cancer spreading—long before it becomes a bigger problem.
Even more exciting, drugs that block UPP1 could one day be used to prevent metastasis altogether.
Dr Cassie Clarke, the lead author of the study, called it 'a major shift in how we think about preventing the spread of cancer.' By targeting these metabolic changes early, we could stop cancer from progressing and save countless lives.
Dr Catherine Elliot from Cancer Research UK added that this gives new hope for detecting and stopping metastasis early, ensuring people have more precious years with their families.
While the research focused on breast cancer, there’s hope that this approach could work for other types of cancer as well. Simon Vincent, chief scientific officer at Breast Cancer Now, said more research is needed, but the potential is huge.
The team is now testing drugs that could prevent cancer from spreading, and if successful, this could lead to new treatments not just for breast cancer, but for other cancers that spread in similar ways.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and Australia, with the risk increasing as we age—especially after menopause. In fact, most cases are diagnosed in women over 50. With predictions that breast cancer deaths could rise by over 40% by 2050, breakthroughs like this are more important than ever.
While we wait for these new treatments to become available, early detection remains our best defence. Here’s what you should look out for:
- A lump in the breast or armpit
- Changes in the size or shape of your breasts
- Discharge from the nipple
- Dimpling, rash, redness, or changes in skin texture
- Crusting, scaly, or itchy skin on the nipple
It’s vital to check your breasts regularly—once a month is ideal. You can do this in the shower, lying in bed, or in front of a mirror.
Use the pads of your fingers to feel all the way from your collarbone to under your armpit, moving in circles and up and down. There’s no right or wrong way, as long as you get to know what’s normal for you.
And remember, breast tissue isn’t just found in your boobs—men can get breast cancer too, so everyone should be checking.
If you notice anything unusual, don’t wait—see your GP as soon as possible. And if you’re between 50 and 74, make sure you’re attending your regular breast cancer screenings.
This research is still in its early days, but it’s a huge step forward. With more studies and clinical trials, we could see new drugs that stop cancer from spreading within the next decade.
Have you or someone you know been affected by breast cancer? Do you have tips for checking or stories about early detection? We’d love to hear your experiences and advice—share your thoughts in the comments below. Your story could help save a life!
Scientists in Scotland have made a breakthrough that could help prevent breast cancer from spreading—a development that may one day save thousands of lives, especially among those of us over 60, who are at higher risk.
Let’s break down what this means, why it’s so important, and what you can do right now to protect yourself and your loved ones.
For years, researchers have been trying to understand exactly how breast cancer cells manage to break away from the original tumour and set up shop elsewhere in the body—a process called metastasis. This is the stage when cancer becomes much harder to treat and far more dangerous.
Now, a team from the University of Glasgow and Cancer Research UK has discovered a key part of this process.
They found that breast cancer cells hijack the metabolism of certain immune cells, causing them to release a protein called uracil. This uracil acts like a 'scaffold,' giving cancer cells a structure to latch onto and grow in new organs.
Here’s the really clever bit: the scientists managed to block the formation of this uracil scaffold in mice by targeting an enzyme called uridine phosphorylase-1 (UPP1).
Scottish scientists have discovered how breast cancer spreads in the body, finding that cancer cells use a protein called uracil as a 'scaffold' to help them grow on other organs. Image source: National Cancer Institute / Unsplash.
When they did this, the mice’s immune systems were able to fight off the secondary cancer cells, stopping the spread in its tracks.
This discovery could be a game-changer. If doctors can detect uracil in the blood, it might become possible to spot the earliest signs of cancer spreading—long before it becomes a bigger problem.
Even more exciting, drugs that block UPP1 could one day be used to prevent metastasis altogether.
Dr Cassie Clarke, the lead author of the study, called it 'a major shift in how we think about preventing the spread of cancer.' By targeting these metabolic changes early, we could stop cancer from progressing and save countless lives.
Dr Catherine Elliot from Cancer Research UK added that this gives new hope for detecting and stopping metastasis early, ensuring people have more precious years with their families.
While the research focused on breast cancer, there’s hope that this approach could work for other types of cancer as well. Simon Vincent, chief scientific officer at Breast Cancer Now, said more research is needed, but the potential is huge.
The team is now testing drugs that could prevent cancer from spreading, and if successful, this could lead to new treatments not just for breast cancer, but for other cancers that spread in similar ways.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and Australia, with the risk increasing as we age—especially after menopause. In fact, most cases are diagnosed in women over 50. With predictions that breast cancer deaths could rise by over 40% by 2050, breakthroughs like this are more important than ever.
While we wait for these new treatments to become available, early detection remains our best defence. Here’s what you should look out for:
- A lump in the breast or armpit
- Changes in the size or shape of your breasts
- Discharge from the nipple
- Dimpling, rash, redness, or changes in skin texture
- Crusting, scaly, or itchy skin on the nipple
It’s vital to check your breasts regularly—once a month is ideal. You can do this in the shower, lying in bed, or in front of a mirror.
Use the pads of your fingers to feel all the way from your collarbone to under your armpit, moving in circles and up and down. There’s no right or wrong way, as long as you get to know what’s normal for you.
And remember, breast tissue isn’t just found in your boobs—men can get breast cancer too, so everyone should be checking.
If you notice anything unusual, don’t wait—see your GP as soon as possible. And if you’re between 50 and 74, make sure you’re attending your regular breast cancer screenings.
This research is still in its early days, but it’s a huge step forward. With more studies and clinical trials, we could see new drugs that stop cancer from spreading within the next decade.
Have you or someone you know been affected by breast cancer? Do you have tips for checking or stories about early detection? We’d love to hear your experiences and advice—share your thoughts in the comments below. Your story could help save a life!
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