http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-01/sp-cds010506.php

Earlier news items: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3682722.stm – Dogs ‘sniff out’ bladder cancer (Sept 23 2004);
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/2006037.stm – Dogs may sniff out some cancers (May 24 2002).

Can dogs smell cancer?

In a society where lung and breast cancers are leading causes of cancer death worldwide, early detection of the disease is highly desirable. In a new scientific study, researchers present astonishing new evidence that man’s best friend, the dog, may have the capacity to contribute to the process of early cancer detection.

In this study, five household dogs were trained within a short 3-week period to detect lung or breast cancer by sniffing the breath of cancer participants. During the study, the dogs were presented with breath samples from the cancer patients and the controls, captured in a special tube. Dogs were trained to give a positive identification of a cancer patient by sitting or lying down directly in front of a test station containing a cancer patient sample, while ignoring control samples.

The results of the study showed that dogs can detect breast and lung cancer with sensitivity and specificity between 88% and 97%. Moreover, the study also confirmed that the trained dogs could even detect the early stages of lung cancer, as well as early breast cancer.

Absolutely fantastic 🙂