Breakfast favourite ‘slashes growth of killer cancer by 84% and could prevent disease’

FANCY honey could help treat and even prevent breast cancer, a new study suggests. Scientists found Manuka honey contains compounds that can significantly reduce tumour growth in the most common forms of the disease. Dr Diana Marquez-Garban, associate professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles , said: "The findings provide hope for development of a natural, less toxic alternative to traditional chemotherapy.

"Although more research is necessary to fully understand the benefits of natural compounds in cancer therapy, this study establishes a strong foundation for further exploration in this area." Experts say there is an "urgent need" for alternative treatments to help prevent relapse and improve long-term breast cancer survival. Existing options, like chemotherapy and endocrine therapy, are effective but toxic and come with numerous side effects.

READ MORE ON PREVENTING CANCER They can also lead to endocrine resistance, when cancer cells develop ways to evade treatment. Manuka honey, known for its antimicrobial, antioxidant and healing properties, is also rich in compounds like flavonoids, phytochemicals, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, amino acids, and minerals. "These compounds have demonstrated anti-cancer potential at a molecular level by inhibiting pathways activated in cancer that induce tumour cell proliferation, growth, and metastasis," researchers at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center sa.