- News
-
- Sport
-
- Entertainment
-
- Advice
-
- Roots
-
3 Comments
Larger Text
Print
E-mailIrish breast cancer breakthrough could end mammograms
Major cancer discovery from team at Galway University
Irish scientists may have found an alternative to the dreaded mammogram in a bid to reduce the incidence of breast cancer.
Researchers from the National University of Ireland Galway have identified a new blood test that can act as an "early warning" system.
The test, which is being discussed as a potential replacement for mammograms, can alert doctors if the disease is recurring.
The researchers from the school's department of surgery presented their study results at the world’s biggest breast cancer conference in San Antonio in the U.S.
The study found a link between breast cancer and substances called microRNAs which are found in the blood of patients with breast cancer.
Professor Michael Kerin, who led the team, said there was good reason for optimism.
“This early work suggests a combination of mir195 and Let7a (two specific types of microRNA) are sensitive markers for the presence of breast cancers in over 90 percent of cases," he said. "This raises the possibility of their use in screening for breast cancer.”
MicroRNAs are tiny fragments of genetic code which act as both suppressors and promoters of cancer growth.
The MicroRNAs called mir195 and Let7a are powerful players in the development and propagation of breast cancer.
The study looked at 83 women with breast cancer and 44 women who did not have the disease who acted as controls.
They found that levels of the two miRNA markers were more than 10 times greater in the women with breast cancer.
They also found that blood levels of mir195 dropped to the level found in the cancer-free women after surgeons removed the cancers.
Most recent comments - See all comments
Related Items
Join us - follow IrishCentral.com
Click here to read more about IrishCentral.com.
About Us
IrishCentral is the website about everything Irish for everyone Irish -- the 70 million people around the world who trace their roots to the Emerald Isle.You'll find the most-fascinating stories from the United States, Ireland and the global Irish world, including the latest in news, entertainment, celebrity gossip, travel and vacations, sports, food and drink, Irish ancestry and genealogy, immigration, religion, business and opinion. (close)
Most Recent Blog Posts
