Adelaide researchers make breakthrough discovery that could help breast cancer treatment
Researchers from the University of South Australia (UNISA) have had a scientific breakthrough, uncovering early warning signs that could indicate aggressive forms of breast cancer.
“There’s a new receptor complex, which is an entity of its own, and we found it,” researcher Dr Valentina Poltavets from the UNISA said.
“We see that the number of these complexes actually is increasing as the disease progresses, so it could be a biomarker of disease progression.”
It comes after concerns many people are living with undiagnosed cancer, with the number of breast screenings plummeting during the pandemic.
Jan-Maree Weur was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 at just 45 years of age.
“I found a lump on my right side and then my GP found one on the left. It was obviously a big shock,” Ms Weur said.
She underwent treatment over 18 months including a double mastectomy. She’s now cancer-free.
It’s hoped that the new research will eventually help doctors tailor treatment programs, ensuring better outcomes for patients such as Ms Weur.
“They might be having a more aggressive treatment, or they will actually benefit from not actually having those aggressive treatments and those side effects,” Dr Poltavets said.
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Women are being encouraged to book a check-up as soon as possible, with Valentina saying, “the earlier the lesions are discovered, the easier it is to treat”.
