Almost 54,000 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in the UK during 2013, according to Cancer Research UK figures.

In 2014, 11,400 people died from the disease.

Now scientists are hoping more lives could be saved following a medical breakthrough.

Scientists part-funded by Breast Cancer Now, the Medical Research Council (MRC) and other collaborators have developed an innovative imaging technique that could predict whether breast cancer will spread to the lung.

In a new study published in Theranostics, researchers have demonstrated in mice that a new non-invasive imaging method can be used to detect changes in the lungs that signal breast cancer may soon spread there before any metastases are visible.

If given the green-light for use in humans, this approach could enable patients to be offered more intensive therapy earlier, to potentially prevent breast cancer spread.

Dr Fabian Flores-Borja, Research Fellow at the Breast Cancer Now Research Unit at Kings College London said: By combining cell biology and imaging techniques, we have established a method to predict, at an early time-point during tumour development, whether tumour invasion will occur.

We envision this technique being used to help select patients for either further surveillance or intensified therapy, as well as aiding cancer research.

The development of a test that is able to identify an increased risk of metastasis soon after a patient is diagnosed with breast cancer, would be very useful in helping choose the best treatment for patients.

Previous research has shown that the gathering of a special type of immune cell called myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in locations such as the lung prepares the ground for breast cancer metastasis - spread.

This is because the local immune system is suppressed promotes the formation of new blood vessels - a condition called angiogenesis.

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Researchers at Kings College London have now developed a radioactive tracer molecule to detect MDSCs accumulating in the lung in preparation for the arrival of breast cancer cells and the formation of metastases.

Baroness Delyth Morgan, Chief Executive at Breast Cancer Now, has hailed the news as incredibly exciting.

While more research is needed before this could be tested in patients, the prospect of a hospital scan which could predict whether breast cancer will spread to the lungs is incredibly exciting.

More immediately, this study brings a brand new method to the table that will help researchers unpick how the immune system is involved in the spread of breast cancer.

Finding ways to predict and halt the spread of the disease will be crucial if we are to finally stop people dying from it.

This is a promising step towards being able to use 3D imaging to help offer more personalised therapy. Ultimately, anything that could provide patients and their doctors with a more accurate picture of whether their breast cancer may spread will help us tailor treatments to stop this from happening.

Dr Mariana Delfino-Machin, MRC Programme Manager for Cancer, said the research paves the way for new treatment in the clinic.

"Innovative, non-invasive imaging methods like this, which can help predict and diagnose disease as early as possible and avoid the discomfort of current invasive tests, have the potential to greatly impact cancer treatment and outcomes, she said.

Experts said more studies are now required to develop a more effective tracer molecule - suited for use in humans - to be tested in future clinical trials.

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Breast cancer breakthrough: This technique could predict if disease will spread to lungs - Express.co.uk