New research, funded by Breast Cancer Now and Cancer Research UK at the universities of York and Cambridge, has shown that analysing sodium levels in breast cancer tumours can give an accurate indication of how aggressive a cancer is - and whether chemo treatments are taking effect.
Dr Simon Vincent, Breast Cancer Now’s Director of Research, Support and Influencing, said:
“It’s vital that breast cancer is diagnosed quickly and accurately, and its response to treatment closely monitored, to ensure patients receive the best possible care.
"This innovative early-stage research into sodium MRI has the potential to improve patient care, giving medical teams more in-depth information.
"We look forward to scientists building on this discovery, to understand how it can work in practice to benefit patients in the clinic.
"The way that breast cancer can accumulate sodium should also be investigated further, as it may help discover new ways to treat this devastating disease.”
Anyone looking for support or information can call Breast Cancer Now’s free Helpline on 0808 800 6000.