New breast cancer research reveals key to stopping deadly spread

A groundbreaking study has uncovered the hidden trigger behind breast cancer’s deadly spread, offering fresh hope for treatments that could save thousands of Aussie lives.

Scientists have uncovered how breast cancer spreads throughout the body — a breakthrough that could transform how the disease is treated in its earliest stages.

A team of Scottish researchers found that breast cancer hijacks the metabolism of certain immune cells, releasing a protein called uracil.

This protein acts like a “scaffold,” allowing cancer cells to attach and grow on other organs.

But when scientists blocked the production of uracil in mice, their immune systems regained the ability to destroy secondary cancer cells, halting the disease’s spread.

The study, published in EMBO Reports, was led by researchers at the University of Glasgow’s Cancer Research UK Institute, including Professors Jim Norman and Karen Blyth.

They achieved the result by targeting an enzyme called uridine phosphorylase-1 (UPP1), which creates uracil.

Scientists have uncovered how breast cancer spreads throughout the body — a breakthrough that could transform how the disease is treated in its earliest stages.

Blocking UPP1 could one day lead to drugs that stop cancer spreading, and researchers hope uracil levels in the blood may become an early warning sign of metastasis.

“This study represents a major shift in how we think about preventing the spread of cancer,” lead author Dr Cassie Clarke said.

“By targeting these metabolic changes as early as possible we could stop the cancer progressing and save lives.”

Metastasis — when cancer spreads beyond the breast — is the main reason it becomes harder to treat, especially when it returns after months or even years.

“This discovery gives us new hope for detecting and stopping metastasis early and ensuring people have many more years with their families and loved ones,” Dr Catherine Elliot, director of research at Cancer Research UK said.

Simon Vincent, chief scientific officer at Breast Cancer Now, said the findings may also help stop other types of cancer from spreading.

Metastasis — when cancer spreads beyond the breast — is the main reason it becomes harder to treat, especially when it returns after months or even years.

“Now we need more research to see if this new insight can be turned into new drugs that stop secondary breast cancer, and potentially other secondary cancers,” he said.

The University of Glasgow team is now testing how well drugs can prevent the disease from spreading — a major priority, as breast cancer deaths in the UK are projected to rise by more than 40 per cent by 2050.

Globally, researchers estimate that by the same year, 3.2 million new cases and 1.1 million deaths will occur each year if current trends continue.

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in Australia for women and the second most common cause of cancer death.

It is estimated that more than 21,194 people in Australia will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025, which is 58 people each day.

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in Australia for women and the second most common cause of cancer death.

Early warning signs include a lump in the breast or armpit, changes in size or shape, nipple discharge, redness or dimpling of the skin, and scaly or itchy patches around the nipple.

Despite widespread awareness campaigns, more than a third of women in the UK still do not regularly check their breasts.

Charity CoppaFeel advises that self-checking should be a monthly routine — whether in the shower, in bed, or while getting dressed.

The NHS says there’s no right or wrong way to check, as long as people know what’s normal for their body and can spot changes early.

Both women and men are encouraged to check all breast tissue — including up to the collarbone and under the armpit.

What are the key warning signs of breast cancer?

Key warning signs of breast cancer include:

• A lump in the breast
• Nipple discharge
• Skin dimpling
• Changes in breast size or shape

What to do if you find a lump in your breast?

If you discover a lump in your breast, it’s normal to feel concerned. However, it’s important not to panic. Here are the key steps you should follow:

Monitor: Monitor the lump you have found 3-4 weeks to see whether it changes.

Consult a doctor: Book a consult with your doctor and they will assess the lump to determine the next steps.

Imaging: Your doctor may recommend imaging tests, such as a mammogramor ultrasound, to get a clearer picture of the lump.

Biopsy: In some cases, a biopsy may be needed to confirm whether the lump is cancerous.

Originally published as New breast cancer research reveals key to stopping deadly spread