Squeezing out danger of breast cancer

By JOHN VON RADOWITZ
Published on 18/12/2012 00:00

A LITTLE squeeze may be all that it takes to prevent malignant breast cells triggering cancer, research has shown.

Laboratory experiments showed that applying physical pressure to the cells guided them back to a normal growth pattern.

Scientists do not envisage fighting breast cancer with a new range of compression bras, but they believe the research provides clues that could lead to new treatments.

“People have known for centuries that physical force can influence our bodies,” said Gautham Venugopalan, a leading member of the research team at the University of California in Berkeley, US.

“When we lift weights our muscles get bigger. The force of gravity is essential to keeping our bones strong.

“Here we show that physical force can play a role in the growth – and reversion – of cancer cells.”