Catching cancer in the early stages drastically increases survival rates but catching it early poses myriad challenges, particularly with types of cancer for which there are no effective screening tests. Scientists may have found a solution. A new device can detect cancer through a person’s breath.

"This study shows that an 'electronic nose' can distinguish between healthy and malignant breath, and can also differentiate between the breath of patients with different cancer types... It could also be an easy way to assess and monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment and detect relapses earlier."

Apparently, as cancer grows, the cells emit chemicals that can be detected in a person’s breath. Even more exciting is the fact that the device can detect different types of cancer (so far lung, breast, bowel or prostate have been tested).

The study is still in the early stages and more research is needed, but the possibilities are very exciting. The hopes are that the device will be able to detect cancer before tumors are large enough to be felt or even seen on X-rays.

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