New ‘liquid biopsy’ will act as an early warning sign to anticipate risk of tumours returning

A new blood test can predict the risk of breast cancer returning three years before any tumours show up on scans in an “incredibly exciting” breakthrough that could help more women beat the disease for good.

More than 2 million women are diagnosed every year with breast cancer, the most prevalent type of the disease. Although treatment has improved in recent decades, the cancer often returns, and if it does, it is usually at a more advanced stage.

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© Photograph: Malcolm Park sciences/Alamy

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© Photograph: Malcolm Park sciences/Alamy

Got a beauty dilemma? Our expert is here to help. This week, Sarah is looking beyond cancer surgery

First of all, sending lots of love during what can’t be an easy time. Your surgical team will tell you what to do straight after the operation.

“It’s important to follow their instructions,” says breast surgeon Chloe Constantinou. “After surgery, the dressings will be taken off if everything has healed, and you’ll be given advice on caring for the skin.” If you’re worried, speak to your team, but generally speaking it’s best to use a gentle cleanser that’s fragrance-free.

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© Illustration: Edith Pritchett/The Guardian

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© Illustration: Edith Pritchett/The Guardian

Ability to preserve tissue in a special gel solution for at least a week will help doctors identify most effective drug treatments

Scientists say they have a made a potentially “gamechanging” breakthrough in breast cancer research after discovering how to preserve breast tissue outside the body for at least a week.

The study, which was funded by the Prevent Breast Cancer charity, found tissue could be preserved in a special gel solution, which will help scientists identify the most effective drug treatments for patients.

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© Photograph: Nicola Tree/Getty Images

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© Photograph: Nicola Tree/Getty Images

Some researchers said the advice did not go far enough. The panel also declined to recommend extra scans for women with dense breast tissue.

© Michael Hanschke/picture alliance, via Getty Images

Mammography can miss tumors in women with dense breasts, so their doctors often include ultrasound or M.R.I. scans. Patients often wind up paying the bill.

© Sarah Reingewirtz/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News, via Getty Images