Better study of which tumours develop into breast cancer

Scientists have moved a step closer to being able to predict the likelihood that very early tumours will develop into full-blown breast cancer, according to new research.

A team looking at the relationship between early breast cancer tumours and more advanced forms of the disease has discovered a potential way to separate patients according to their risk and offer tailored treatment as a result.

The most common form of non-invasive, or early, breast cancer is ductal carcinoma in situ and occurs when cancer cells develop in the milk ducts but have not yet spread to the surrounding breast tissue.