Test of breast fluid may give cancer signal

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Women with abnormal cells in breast fluid are twice as likely to develop breast cancer, says a study that evaluated the disease risk in more than 7,600 women.

The study, appearing today in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, classified thousands of women by the types of cells found in fluids that had been drawn from their breasts using a mild suction device. None of the women in the study were pregnant or lactating.

After following the women for up to three decades, the researchers found those whose breast fluid contained abnormal cells were twice as likely to develop breast cancer later in life. Women from whom no fluid could be drawn were the least likely to have breast cancer, while those with normal cells in the fluid were at about 60 percent greater risk.

"Our study shows that if you can get fluid from a woman and there are abnormal cells in that fluid, then it is an indication of increased risk of breast cancer," said Margaret R. Wrensch, an epidemiologist at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine and the first author of the study.

She said the study suggests, but does not prove, that for a woman who is not pregnant or nursing to produce any fluid at all may be an indication of increased risk.

"We think that some women have some fluid in their breast ducts all of the time," said Wrensch. "We don’t understand … why we can obtain fluid from some women and not from others." She said the fluid could signal that there are changes underway in the breast.

Wrensch said the results of the study suggest that an analysis of breast fluid should be considered for inclusion on the list of factors that doctors now evaluate when predicting a woman’s breast cancer risk. Other risk factors include close family members with breast cancer, age and the results of physical examinations and biopsies.

"I think our study shows that (obtaining breast fluids) is a valid technique for predicting risk," Wrensch said. "But further work is needed to determine" how it would be used in routine patient care.

Dr. Bruce F. Kimler, a cancer specialist at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan., urged caution in using cells from breast fluid as a predictor of breast cancer risk.

He said the procedure to obtain the breast fluid is "well-tolerated" and could be performed in most doctors’ offices.

But if the procedure does not produce fluid, he said, "one should not interpret this to mean that a woman is at low, short-term risk" of breast cancer.

On the Net:

Journal of the National Cancer Institute: http://jnci.oupjournals.org/

In other health news:

  • Health advocates began an ad campaign and opened a hot line Tuesday aimed at getting pregnant women to stub out their cigarettes. Beginning Tuesday, the spouses of 16 governors will appear in television ads in their home states urging pregnant women to stop smoking. A national ad will appear in every state and the District of Columbia within two weeks, Healton said. The ads will tell women to call a 24-hour hot line managed by the American Cancer Society.

  • A study suggests that it may be possible for AIDS patients on a powerful drug combination to take weeklong medication vacations and still control HIV, while cutting costs by half and reducing serious side effects. Dr. Mark Dybul, a clinical researcher at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said the study also suggests the on-again, off-again approach may lower the toxicity of the drugs enough to give "a dramatic improvement in a patient’s quality of life."

    Copyright ©2001 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

    Talk to us

    > Give us your news tips.

    > Send us a letter to the editor.

    > More Herald contact information.

  • More in Local News

    Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

    The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

    South County Fire plans push-in ceremony for newest fire engine

    Anybody who attends will have the opportunity to help push the engine into the station.

    Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
    Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

    The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

    x
    State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

    The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

    Bothell
    Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

    The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

    Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

    Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

    Position 1 candidates prioritize public safety, differ on tax increases

    Derica Escamilla is looking to retain her seat against challengers Dio Boucsieguez and Brandon Kimmel.

    Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
    The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

    The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

    on Monday, July 14, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Mini heat wave moving into Snohomish County

    The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory, warning of temperatures climbing to mid-80s or low 90s Tuesday and Wednesday.

    Snohomish County Dahlia Society members Doug Symonds and Alysia Obina on Monday, March 3, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    How to grow for show: 10 tips for prize-winning dahlias

    Snohomish County Dahlia Society members share how they tend to their gardens for the best blooms.

    State Attorney General Nick Brown's office posted a release announcing $720 million in nationwide settlements with eight drugmakers that manufactured opioid pills and worsened the nationwide opioid crisis. The state could receive more than $16 million, the release said. (Ryan Berry/Washington State Standard)
    Snohomish County to receive portion of latest $16M opioid settlement

    While the amount of money is still unknown, funding plans are already in place to help with drug abuse prevention, treatment and education.

    District 2 candidates differ in public safety approach

    Incumbent Paula Rhyne is facing challenger Ryan Crowther. The third candidate, Jonathan Shapiro, is no longer seeking the seat.

    Support local journalism

    If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.