Breast Milk and Cancer

A study was recently done by researchers with Lund University and the University of Gothenburg, Sweden which shows a link between a substance in breast milk and cancer cells. The substance kills the cancer! Although the substance has been found a while ago, it wasn't until recently that it could be tested on humans. An article from Science Daily says that, "Patients with cancer of the bladder who were treated with the substance excreted dead cancer cells in their urine after each treatment, which has given rise to hopes that it can be developed into medication for cancer care in the future." The substance,

which the researchers are calling HAMLET (Human Alpha-lactalbumin Made LEthal to Tumour cells) is comprised of, "a protein and a fatty acid that are both found naturally in breast milk. So far, however, it has not been proven that the HAMLET complex is spontaneously formed in the milk. It is speculated, however, that HAMLET can form in the acidic environment of the babies´ stomachs. Laboratory experiments have shown that HAMLET kills 40 different types of cancer, and the researchers are now going on to study its effect on skin cancer, tumours in the mucous membranes and brain tumours. Importantly, HAMLET kills only cancer cells and does not affect healthy cells." [caption id="attachment_412" align="aligncenter" width="150" caption="Microscope images that show HAMLET's interaction with biological membranes. Using a red, fluorescent substance that shows the location of HAMLET, the researchers can clearly demonstrate that it binds to the cell membrane of a tumor cell. (Credit: University of Gothenburg)"][/caption] As a mother who has had to live through her own daughter's cancer experience, this is wonderful news. However, I was breastfeeding my baby when her cancer was discovered, it makes me wonder why the cancer happened at all. Regardless, we've always heard that "breast is best", and this, to me, is even more proof of that. Although many mother's can't breastfeed for some reason or other, those that can really should give it a try. They say one day of breastfeeding is better than none. And for those of you who are struggling, you can refer back to the post, "My Breast Friends" for some help.