The medical researchers have always tried to diagnose cancer as early as possible as there's a better chance for successful treatment. Much research has been done and there's lots more to do. Under certain conditions cancer is diagnosed earlier but there's a long way to go..
This post fits in with a post I did on Jan. 13 , 2016, about dogs being used to identify cancer. The researchers I heard about this morning are trying to develop a breathalyzer test to identify cancer. Yes, you blow in a breathalyzer and certain chemicals from different cancers can be identified. They can identify breast cancer with up to 99% accuracy. Dr. Charlene Bayer from Georgia Tech research institute is leading this research. That's much better than some of the invasive tests that are presently used. They still cannot identify a stage one cancer which is the goal for early detection..
It's one of the technologies that is promising for early cancer identification. They also use a breathalyzer for diabetes. They also use a temporary tattoo to test blood sugar for diabetes instead of drawing blood to test the blood sugar. Moisture on the skin can be used to measure blood sugar. The tattoo is not presently approved for use but it works.
I'm not sure what stage my mother's breast cancer was in when she was diagnosed in 1973, but she lived less than a year after diagnosis.
I hope that this research does prove to be successful to identify cancers at a much earlier stage.
 |
| the family home where Mom was boss |
Oh my, how wonderful that something so simple can be so accurate.
ReplyDeleteAs a two-time survivor, it sounds pretty exciting.
Two time survivor? You're a hero!
DeleteAnything that can help in that cause is good.
ReplyDeleteI think there's more good research going on now than there has been for a long while.
DeleteVery interesting. Every new discovery brings hope.
ReplyDeleteI think there's more and better research now. But cancer is a tough one.
Deletei hope they can refine it and make its use very successful and affordable!
ReplyDeleteThis may not make it but in doing this research they may bumble into something else.
DeleteI hope this test can be done soon, what a blessing that would be with early detection. It must have been very ad to lose your Mother to Breast Cancer, I am sorry Red:)
ReplyDeleteThey were hoping for two years to get this test approved. Altogether too many women have been lost to breast cancer.
DeleteIt would be nice to make things so easy. Many times illness is not diagnosed so easily
ReplyDeleteI think there are some things that will always beat us one way or another. Right now it's zika virus.
DeleteI had heard this same radio interview and sounds to me like a promising breathalyzer. Early detection leads to saving lives. Good Post Red. I like that you are so informative.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I like that somebody checks up on me and makes sure I get things right!
DeleteIt's always good news when these discoveries help save lives.
ReplyDeleteIt was an interesting program as this was one of six new research areas.
DeleteLiving in hope :)
ReplyDeleteIt does make me understand why dogs can detect certain cancers if there is something present in our exhalations. Fascinating post, Red. :-)
ReplyDeleteApparently the makeup of each type of cancer cell is a little different.
DeleteSorry for the loss of a mother you clearly loved. These new technologies are very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteIn 1973 there was little that could be done.
DeleteI was really surprised by your post. It's hard to believe in breathalyzer diagnostic without blood. But you force me to search more about it. It would be great chance for a lot of people.
ReplyDeleteCheck out the link I gave in my blog.
DeleteOh, wouldn't that be wonderful. I'm sorry that you lost your Mother that way. I love the old home place.
ReplyDeleteSadly the old home place is now vacant.
DeleteAnimals provide so many benefits for humans that we would be wise to treasure them more and see to their welfare.
ReplyDeleteDogs are much more than what meets the eye.
DeleteWell, a breathalyzer test is certainly preferable to a mammogram! Where do I sign up??
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you lost your mother to cancer. Hopefully progress has been made for diagnosis since the 1970s, but too many still die.
You're right we lose too many women to breast cancer. Mammograms are not terribly sensitive in finding cancer.but they're the best we have now. Yes, there's much improvement from the 1970's
DeleteI head that dogs can detect cancer in people. I mean they use dogs as parteners in police jobs. Why not for cancer.
ReplyDeleteNow if this what they say as you have written. What a blessing it would be. My husbands sister went fast. Three months. It was a blessing. Some treatments are a cure but others are just to pro-long life. Cancer is a horrible enemy to the body and those treatments are terrible.