A recent discovery by scientists indicates that a type of emergency contraception could potentially lower the risk of breast cancer in young women. This particular pill, currently available free of charge through the NHS, functions by inhibiting the impacts of the hormone progesterone. Research has shown that it induces changes in breast tissue that may serve as a preventive measure against cancer development in that area. A woman who chose to undergo a double mastectomy as a precautionary step expresses optimism about the findings, stating that it provides hope for others with a high genetic predisposition to the disease.
A trial conducted at the University of Manchester involved 24 women with a strong family history of breast cancer who were at elevated genetic risk. These women, aged between 34 and 44, were administered ulipristal acetate from 2016 to 2019. Observations revealed a decrease in breast density and stiffness, which are factors known to create an unfavorable environment for cancer growth.
Dr. Sacha Howell, the lead author of the study and a Consultant Oncologist at The Christie, a specialized cancer hospital affiliated with Manchester University, expressed gratitude towards the participants for their contributions. The research findings suggest that progesterone plays a crucial role in the development of breast cancer in individuals at high risk. By targeting this hormone’s activity, ulipristal acetate and similar anti-progestins show promise as preventive treatments for women with an increased risk of the disease.
This breakthrough proposes the repurposing of ulipristal acetate for breast cancer prevention to potentially decrease the likelihood of its occurrence in at-risk women before menopause. Currently, these women have limited options to mitigate their risk, mainly involving long-term hormone therapy or surgical procedures to remove part or all of the breasts.
Grace Burton, a 27-year-old who underwent a preventative double mastectomy due to a high risk of breast cancer resulting from an inherited BRCA1 gene mutation, shares her experience. She emphasizes the significant impact of breast cancer on her family and highlights the importance of research into preventive medication, offering hope for women facing similar decisions.
Dr. Simon Vincent, the chief scientific officer at Breast Cancer Now, which supported the study, stresses the necessity for improved risk-reducing treatments that safeguard the quality of life for women at high risk of breast cancer. The study participants received ulipristal acetate over a 12-week period, undergoing various tests and scans that indicated a positive impact on breast tissue density.
Published in the journal Nature, the study reveals that ulipristal acetate helps impede the growth of breast cells that have the potential to develop into cancer, particularly luminal progenitors. These cells are linked to triple negative breast cancer, a more aggressive form of the disease, which is prevalent in younger and black women.
Dr. Vincent underscores the significance of the research on ulipristal acetate and calls for further extensive studies to fully comprehend the drug’s potential in preventing breast cancer development. This advancement aligns with the goal of accelerating the discovery of preventive treatments for breast cancer.