Researchers at the Cancer Research UK National Biomarker Centre (NBC) are contributing to a pioneering study investigating whether breast milk could support earlier detection of breast cancer during and after pregnancy. The BRACELET-BM study is exploring whether tumour-derived DNA found in breast milk could provide a new way to identify breast cancer during this period.

Led by Oncologist Dr Niki Flaum at The University of Manchester, in partnership with Dr Florent Mouliere at the NBC, and funded by The Christie Charity, the study aims to improve understanding of the biological changes that occur within the breast during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Professor Sacha Howell, Consultant Oncologist at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, is a co-lead on the study.

Pregnancy-related breast cancer is more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage, when the cancer has already spread, and is associated with poorer outcomes. Diagnosis can be particularly challenging during pregnancy and breastfeeding because breast imaging during pregnancy and lactation can be unreliable. Researchers hope that studying breast milk could provide new insights and support the future development of improved approaches to cancer detection for women during and after pregnancy.

An international study published in 2023 showed that circulating tumour DNA could be detected in breast milk from women with breast cancer, highlighting its potential as a source of information for cancer detection. The BRACELET-BM study aims to build on this evidence while establishing the best methods for collecting, processing and storing breast milk samples.

As an initial feasibility study, BRACELET-BM will examine practical questions including how samples should be collected, whether they can be frozen safely in a domestic freezer, the best time of day for collection, and whether factors such as infection in the mother or baby affect the results.

At the NBC, Dr Florent Mouliere and the Non-InvasivE Multi-Omics (NEMO) Team are analysing samples collected through the study. Their work focuses on understanding the unique characteristics of DNA found in breast milk and investigating whether these genetic signals could serve as biomarkers for breast cancer detection.

Dr Florent Mouliere said 

“Scientists in our laboratories have identified tiny fragments of genetic material shed by cells in some samples of breast milk that have been donated for this study. The DNA structure is unique in breast milk, and we now understand what this DNA looks like, which is a major step forward.”

While the research is at an early stage, it represents an important step towards understanding whether breast milk could become a valuable source of information for detecting breast cancer and improving outcomes for patients.

Recruitment open

The BRACELET-BM study is currently recruiting breastfeeding women. The team is keen to hear from women from a wide range of backgrounds to help ensure the research reflects the diversity of the communities it aims to serve.

Participants will be asked to donate breast milk and blood samples and complete questionnaires and interviews about the acceptability of the approach.

Anyone interested in taking part can contact the study team by email at the-christie.bracelet-BM@nhs.net or by telephone on 0161 918 7694.

Further information

The BRACELET-BM study involves researchers from The University of Manchester, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and the Cancer Research UK National Biomarker Centre. The initial feasibility study was funded by Prevent Breast Cancer, Cancer Research UK and the Academy of Medical Sciences; the current research is funded by The Christie Charity.

Read the NHS/MFT research article for more information about the study and recruitment.