Theres been plenty of controversy lately about who should have a mammogram and when -- even though in many cases there is no denying that early detection through mammograms can save lives. But I have to admit, the more information I get -- the more confused I become.
So, I was wondering whether there were any other ways to detect breast cancer in its earliest stage. I discovered theres an experimental test in the works which literally sniffs out breast cancer even earlier than it may show up on a mammography.
The new test is based on ancient medical practice. During the Middle Ages doctors used the scent of human breath to pick up cues on what might be ailing their patients. For example, a fish odor is associated with liver disease; when kidneys are failing the breath has the scent of urine and those with Diabetes often have a sweet aroma to their breath.
A team of researchers from Georgia Tech, Emory University and the University of Ulm in Germany, are using a portable, non-invasive device to determine which biomarker gases exhaled in a person's breath indicate the presence of breast cancer. The new experimental test, developed by GA Tech Research Institute in Ireland, measures organic compounds expelled from our lungs, and identifies those that are linked to breast cancer. These same biomarkers can also show up in salvia, blood, urine, hair and more.
