Here is another use for breastmilk – testing for breast cancer. And if you are nursing or are planning to in the coming year, you might just consider volunteering for this research program.

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst are looking volunteers who:

• are breastfeeding or pumping breastmilk
• who have had a breast biopsy previously or who are scheduled to have one soon
• willing to donate breastmilk and answer a questionnaire

The purpose of the study funded by Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, is to investigate whether mythelated genes, which are indicators of pre-cancerous changes in breast tissue can be detected in cells found in breastmilk. The methylation process in breast cells can proceed towards cancer development. Thus, detecting methylation amounts to early detection of breast cancer.

Currently, the most commonly used screening method for breast cancer is mammography. However, the method presents some limitation, including discomfort, invasiveness, and radiation exposure.

Testing using breastmilk has the advantage of being non-invasive. In addition, unlike biopsy, breast milk gives a representative sample of cells from all the glands in the breast rather than just an isolated area of the breast.

For those of you who are interested in cancer prevention advocacy, then this is a good chance for you to show your support. More information can be found in the research program’s site www.breastmilkresearch.org.