But those studies have also showed widely varying results, with the prevalence of HPV-positive breast cancer in ranging from as low as four per cent to as high as 86 per cent, and have been clouded by difficulties in detecting the virus in breast specimens.

As well, the genetic probe technique used - polymerase chain reaction (PCR) - has been criticized for its propensity for contamination.

The technique is based on taking small genetic samples and rapidly copying them to provide a large enough sample to study.

The UNSW researchers addressed these issues by using a technique (in situ PCR) that avoids cross-contamination and that provides evidence about whether HPV genetic material is present in the nuclei of human breast cancer specimens. They validated their findings by looking for "telltale" changes linked to HPV such as enlarged nucleus surrounded by a characteristic "halo". The researchers are working on a new method that will make testing even quicker, cheaper and simpler.

Source: University of New South Wales