Women with higher levels of ‘friendly’ bacteria are less likely to suffer from breast cancer, a study has found.

But having more harmful bacteria in the breast – known to cause DNA damage – is linked to a higher risk of tumours developing.

Scientists said the finding could encourage more women to use probiotic yoghurt drinks that are meant to promote the growth of good bacteria in the body.

Both ‘friendly’ and potentially harmful bacteria live in breast ducts, whether or not a woman has ever produced milk.

But cancer rates are lower in women who breastfeed – and their milk contains ‘good’ bacteria.

Previous research has found bacteria in probiotic drinks can reach the breast cells, leading some experts to believe they could help prevent cancer.

Dr Gregor Reid, professor of surgery at Western University in Ontario, Canada, said: ‘Since human milk contains beneficial bacteria, we wondered if they might be playing a role in lowering the risk of cancer.’

To examine the theory, his team obtained breast tissue from 58 women. Some had cancer, while others had benign growths and a third group were healthy.

Dr Reid said two types of healthy bacteria – Lactobacillus and Streptococcus – were more prevalent in healthy breasts than in those with tumours.

These ‘friendly’ bacteria protect the body by producing antioxidants – chemicals that stop damage to cells caused by oxygen molecules known as free radicals.

The doctor added potentially harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis were found to cause DNA damage in breast cells cultured in the lab.

When the body tries to repair the DNA, mistakes can happen, causing tumour growth, the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology reported.

Dr Reid said further research was needed, but that probiotic drinks should be explored as a possible cancer prevention tool if these could increase the amount of ‘good’ bacteria in the breast.

The findings could encourage more women to use probiotic yoghurt drinks that promote the growth of good bacteria in the body, scientists believe

The findings come a month after thousands of breast cancer sufferers face being denied a ‘game-changing drug’ because of red tape and cost concerns.

A landmark trial shows the daily pill halts advanced tumours in their tracks and enables patients to lead normal lives.

Called palbociclib, it could help women who have few treatment options other than drugs that temporarily slow the spread of their tumours.

Other research has found overweight fathers may be putting their daughters at risk of breast cancer.

Scientists say daughters of fat fathers but slim mothers are overweight when born and throughout childhood and have delayed development of their breast tissue as well as increased rates of breast cancer.

Written by Colin Fernandez, Science Correspondent for The Daily Mail, June 24, 2016.

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