Breast cancer detection using breath tests may be closer to becoming a reality, according to new research out of Messana Research in New Jersey. In research published March 5th by PLOS One, Dr. Michael Phillips reports that:
-
244 woman were studied
-
Negative results meant no breast cancer with almost 100% certainty.
-
80% of women with positive results did have breast cancer
These findings mean that a positive reading would require additional testing, a mammogram for example, to make a definite diagnosis. Larger test groups will need to be studied, but this research is indeed exciting, and breath tests of this nature are not without precedent.
How do Medical Breath Tests Work?
Your body is like a busy factory. There are processes going on like mad in every system at every moment and each of those processes involves complex combinations of molecules. Some of those molecules will evaporate at body temperature and pass out of your body, through your mouth, in the breath you exhale. Doctors and scientists are beginning to map out what molecules correlate with which processes. Some of these tests are now routine, while others are still being tested. Examples:
-
Nitric oxide = lungs are inflaming. This can be an indicator that an asthmatic episode is worsening. (Robroeks, 2007)
-
Urea reaction creating carbon isotope = H. pylori in your gut. This bacteria is an indicator of ulcers or other types of stomach inflammation or damage. The urea is given to the patient in a tablet and, if H. pylori are present, the ensuing reaction will create traceable carbon.
-
Hydrogen = lactose intolerance or excessive bacteria.
-
Methane and Hydrogen = presence of M. smithii, a bacterium that can increase likelihood of obesity if found in excess. (Mathur, 2013)
-
Ethyl alcohol = alcohol in the bloodstream. How much evaporated alcohol is in your breath (a breathalyzer) is directly related to how much you drank.
The Potential Benefits of Breast Cancer Breath Tests
Breast cancer kills more women each year than any other type of cancer; about 1 in every 8 women will be diagnosed with it in their lifetime. Breast cancer has been heavily researched and the public is well educated on prevention and detection. There are many ways for doctors to detect breast cancer , and the likelihood of early detection is better than ever. But breath tests would have many advantages over existing methods.
Breath tests would be:
-
Portable and accessible
-
Inexpensive
-
Non-invasive
-
Quick (6 minutes)
In addition, the same research that has been going into breast cancer breath testing is being examined for use in detecting other kinds of cancer. The future of laboratory testing will certainly involve more breath “fingerprinting” in coming years as we continue to learn more.
