Breast cancer can be caused by stem cells with a very long lifespan

Breast stem cells and their 'daughters' can live for a long time and harbour genetic defects or damage that could lead to breast cancer later, reveals a new research.

By: Editorial Team | | Published: January 27, 2014 2:58 pm

Breast stem cells and their ‘daughters’ can live for a long time and harbour genetic defects or damage that could lead to breast cancer later, reveals a new research. Also Read - Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: 4 reasons an eco-friendly Ganesha is good for you

Researchers from Melbourne’s Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have discovered that breast stem cells and their ‘daughters’ have a much longer lifespan than previously thought, and are active in puberty and throughout life. Also Read - 7 reasons why the #BeefBan is good

‘Given that these stem cells – and their ‘daughter’ progenitor cells – can live for such a long time and are capable of self renewing, damage to their genetic code could lead to breast cancer 10 or 20 years later,’ said Professor Geoff Lindeman. Also Read - Novel hope for stem cell approach to treat diabetes, say researchers

The team has discovered that breast stem cells actively maintain breast tissues for most of an individual’s life and contribute to all major stages of breast development, said the research published in the journal Nature.

The finding is also integral to identifying the ‘cells of origin’ of breast cancer and the ongoing quest to develop new treatments and diagnostics for the disease.

‘We hope that it would lead to the development of new treatment and diagnostic strategies in the clinic to help women with breast cancer in the future,’ the researchers added.

According to co-researcher Professor Jane Visvader, understanding the hierarchy and development of breast cells was critical for identifying the cells that give rise to breast cancer, and how and why these cells become cancerous.

The project should also confirm that breast stem cells were ‘true’ stem cells capable of renewing themselves and making all the cells of the mammary gland, the study said.

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a major problem in India. According to Dr Sumeet Shah, ‘Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Indian cities, accounting for a staggering 25 to 35 percent of all cancers in women in cities! Even in rural areas, the incidence is steadily rising. In the year 2008, almost 1,15,000 new cases of breast cancer were reported in India, and about 53,000 death due to breast cancer were recorded.’ Certainly more awareness is needed and many campaigns have taken place over the last few years. In this mega guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the disease.

Causes

Unhealthy style, stress, imbalanced food, irregular sleeping hours, etc. are some of the things that can lead to breast cancer.

Other reasons include:

Early menarche (start of menstruation) and late menopause which exposes the body’s cells to more than normal oestrogen. While oestrogen is an important and protective hormone, it has a proliferative effect on cells of the breast and uterus which results in cancer.
First delivery beyond 30 years of age increase chances of developing breast cancer
Genetic predisposition – about 6-8% of breast and ovarian cancers seem to be family-based. The genetic changes are passed down the generation, which will increase their chance of developing cancer. (Read: Breast cancer — causes, symptoms, myths, diagnosis, treatment)

Source: IANS

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Published : January 27, 2014 2:58 pm

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