Breast cancer blood test set to avoid tissue biopsy

A SIMPLE blood test could match women with breast cancer to the right treatment without the need for a biopsy, according to researchers.

- BY HANNA GEISSLER

It would also allow doctors to track the disease as it evolves.

There are numerous types of breast cancer, each one requiring specific treatment. However, around one in five advanced tumours can switch type, which causes treatment to stop working.

The new blood test called Breast Circulating Methylation Assay looks for tumour DNA released into the body by cancer cells.

The technology is not limited to breast cancer and could be applied across many types of the disease, experts suggest.