Getting to Grips With Breast Cancer: Could “A Little Squeeze” Help?

Have you gotten to grips with your breasts lately? We all know the importance of checking ourselves for any abnormalities on a regular basis but now, according to some new research, actually squeezing your breasts could prevent malignant breast cells from triggering cancer.

Researchers from the University of California in Berkeley conducted experiments which showed that applying a small bit of physical pressure to these malignant cells helped to guide them back to a normal growth pattern.

The researchers now believe that this will provide clues that could lead to the discovery of new treatments for breast cancer sufferers.

“People have known for centuries that physical force can influence our bodies,” said Gautham Venugopalan, one of the leading researchers.

“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,” Mr Venugopalan added.

Checking your breasts on a regular basis is absolutely essential to ensure good health

The study involved researchers growing malignant breast cells into a fake breast. They then applied compression to the breast, effectively squashing the cells. Over time, with repeated squeezing, the malignant cells began to grow in a more normal and organised way.

“Malignant cells have not completely forgotten how to be healthy; they just need the right cues to guide them back to a healthy growth pattern,” Mr Venugopalan said.

However, despite the findings, the researchers remain realistic about the impact this will have on breast cancer.

“Compression, in and of itself, is not likely to be a therapy. But this does give us new clues to track down the molecules and structures that could eventually be targeted for therapies,” said Professor Daniel Fletcher, who runs the laboratory where the research took place.