Breast cancer and gut bacteria link investigated

Breast Cancer Now said cancerous cells can spread in many different ways, including by manipulating the immune system to prevent them being killed

Researchers have been awarded almost £250,000 to investigate whether healthier gut bacteria can lead to better outcomes for breast cancer patients.

The charity Breast Cancer Now, which is funding the research, said it could help in the "fight against the disease".

Previous studies into other cancers have found a link between healthier gut bacteria and better outcomes for patients.

The Quadram Institute, in Norwich Research Park, has been commissioned to carry out the study.

Dr Stephen Robinson from the institute said: "Evidence shows that certain bacteria living in our gut can help slow the growth and spread of cancers, including breast cancer.

"We're looking into how exactly the bacteria help our bodies prevent cancer from progressing, and whether standard treatments are affecting this."

According to Cancer Research UK, about 11,500 people in the UK die from breast cancer each year

The study will examine stool samples taken from breast cancer patients at various stages of their diagnosis and treatment to see how gut bacteria changes during the course of the disease.

Researchers will then compare the samples from people who responded well to treatment and to those that did not.

Using mice, the researchers will also investigate how gut bacteria influences the immune system.

Dr Simon Vincent, Breast Cancer Now's director of research, support and influencing said: "It could help us develop new approaches to treatment that use gut bacteria to activate the immune system and reduce the chance of breast cancer spreading and becoming incurable."

Kerry Blake was 28 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer

Five years ago, Kerry Blake, 34, of Royston in Hertfordshire, found a small lump in her left breast a month before her wedding.

She said more research was needed to improve outcomes for patients.

"For me and countless others, breast cancer research isn't just about finding a cure; it's about finding kinder, more effective treatments and inspiring hope," she said.

"With every research breakthrough, we're closer to a world where no more lives are lost to this terrible disease."