Israeli Universities Create E-Nose Test to Increase Early Detection of Breast Cancer
Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
and Soroka Medical Center in Beersheva developed a
new non-invasive and painless method to detect the early
stages of breast cancer by electronically smelling and
analyzing the patient’s own breath. Traditionally, the most
common method of screening for this kind of cancer is a
mammogram, which carries an array of downsides, including
high cost, travel to equipped clinics, exposure to ionizing
radiation, and a history of inaccurate results. This new
“e-nose” detection scheme employs a data analysis method
based on artificial neural networks that allowed researchers
to attain over 90% accuracy in the classification of sick and
healthy women with nearly 90% sensitivity and specificity.
Along with a basic accompanying urine test to confirm
results, the new non-invasive screening method may help
save lives by catching the cancer in its early stages.