The researchers, led by Marsha Moses, find the urine of women with two types of breast cancer had markedly elevated levels of two biomarkers -- known as MMP-9 and ADAM-12 when compared to controls.

Elevated levels of these biomarkers in the urine of breast cancer patients indicate increased angiogenesis -- a normal physiological process involving the growth of new blood vessels that is also fundamental to the transition of a tumor to malignancy.

The discoveries have been licensed for clinical development in the hope of developing a quick non-invasive test for breast cancer that would catch the disease at its earliest stages or spot a resurgence before it becomes a threat, the researchers say.

If the test is successfully developed, women whose urine reveals a risk for breast cancer could get more frequent mammograms and make lifestyle changes to minimize their odds of breast cancer, Moses explains.