http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2012/12/05/breath-test-could-detect-colorectal-cancer/
A study was published in the British Journal of
Surgery (BJS) demonstrating the ability of breath analysis to screen for
colorectal cancer. The study recruited 78 people, of whom 37 had colorectal cancer
and 41 were the healthy controls. Patients receiving chemotherapy/radiation or who had other colon issues were excluded. The
exhaled breath of the participants was collected after an equilibrium between their
breath and the surrounding air was established. Each individual’s volatile organic
compound (VOC) was determined by analyzing their breath sample. The breath test
analysis identified 32 of the 37 patients with colorectal cancer correctly, and
misdiagnosed seven of the 41 healthy patients with cancer. Overall, this study
was able to discriminate patients with colorectal cancer with an accuracy rate
of 76%. This study demonstrates the potential for breath VOC analysis to detect
colorectal cancer. It shows that patients with colorectal cancer do have a
distinct pattern of chemicals that can be linked to tumor activity in their
breath. More research and studies need to be conducted, but I thought this
study was interesting because the possibilities are amazing. Unlike a
colonoscopy, getting a breath test would be easy, non-invasive, less expensive
and faster. I think more studies should be performed to assess the ability of
the breath test to diagnose other cancers and see whether it can aid in detecting
precancerous masses that could be removed and prevent cancer from developing. Do
you think a breath test would be a reliable way to test for cancer? Or if
society will ever accept it as a legitimate diagnostic test?
This post really hits home to me because I lost my father to colorectal cancer this past May. I have a strong feeling that this is due to late detection because by the time of diagnosis it had already spread to his lung and ribs. A colonoscopy is really difficult for a lot of people to go through because of how painful the day before is and how invasive the actual test it. Colonoscopies are essential to the health of everyone and I think that many people would be more apt to undergo testing if it were simply via breath.
ReplyDeletePersonally, because I have colon cancer in my family I am predisposed to this disease therefore I would be willing to undergo a ccolonoscopy to calm my nerves and confirm my health.
I believe that technology is advancing so fast and we really are gaining the ability to make things like this possible. After more studies are run I think people will begin to accept this form of diagnosis. I really hope that this becomes supported by organizations and the government for funding.
I'm very sorry for your loss. I lost my dad to kidney cancer this past may. By the time he was diagnosed it was already stage 4 and very little could be done. So I definitely agree with you. New research needs to continue to be supported because exploring different options is what will eventually make a difference. Best wishes to you and your family.
DeleteThis is a great study. I lost my father from cancer four years ago and I completely understand what you both went through. I know many people in my family who are hesitant and scared when they have undergo a colonoscopy. This procedure would be very beneficial and easy for many people to go through. In fact, I feel as if more people would get tested if they knew the procedure would just involve them taking a breath test. Hopefully this is researched more and used in the future in order to help doctors detect cancer in patients and prevent the cancer from spreading.
DeleteI find this study to be quite fascinating as it also personally resonates with me. When I was six, I was diagnosed with Chron's disease a gastrointestinal autoimmune disorder. I have been repeatedly told by various doctors that I am at an increased risk for colon cancer later on in life.
ReplyDeleteLike Kristen said, a colonoscopy is a painful, invasive procedure and many people dread the thought of undergoing this detection procedure. I think that people would be more inclined to complete a noninvasive breath test. Depending upon the results of the breath test, the specialist may then suggest whether or not a colonoscopy/additional tests are necessary.
I agree that early detection is key when it comes to treating cancer. Further research is needed to develop and enhance these early detection tests. Perhaps one day they will be administered during routine annual physical exams.
I am a fan of this article because it is showing the progress we are making against this horrible, devastating disease. I think a major thing that should be researched and tested more is if this breath test can detect not only other types of cancers, but if it can also detect the pre-cancerous polyps that appear so often. Early detection is by far the best way to combat cancer. Like many many have already stated, it is also a much easier way to check for cancer and many people will get checked more often if there is a simpler and less evasive procedure.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Trae in the fact that this new test seems to be a great combatant against cancer. As this silent disease tends to creep up on so many of us and our loved ones, it is imperative that we detect it early, and as Kirsten said, advocate for government funding. However, whether this happens or not, it is up to each of us to undergo the tests available and attend annual check-ups. Of course this is only a continuation of the previous thoughts posted here, but that only demonstrates the great need that we have to do something about this disease. There is a predominantly identical reaction to this subject, and that is because the various forms of cancer are so widespread. Whether you are the affected individual or not, I would say that every person reading this knows at least one other person who is, or has been in the past. Ultimately, it is good to see that more encouraging detection methods are becoming available.
ReplyDeleteThis is no doubt a cheap and effective tool for colorectal cancer detection. Though it isn't 100% accurate, the test can be used as a cheap and pain free alternative to a colonoscapy. More intensive testing can be done on patients who require it.
ReplyDeleteA problem for this test however is its imperfect detection rate. 32 of the 37 patients were successfully detected. A failed detection might result in a false sense of security. The patient might refuse further, more accurate testing after passing the breath test. I personally believe that doctors should not become too reliant on this method.
I think this study is really interesting. The fact that someone's breath can be used to test for cancer is such a crazy thing. Although this is new research and the findings were only 76% accurate, this research should definitely be looked into more and advanced to help others. It is a quick and painless test that does not require much time or resources. I think that all people should take advantage of the testing they now have and possibly help prevent more people from dying from colorectal cancer.
ReplyDeleteThis article really came to me as a pleasant surprise. As the second leading cancer related cause of death, it's awesome to see what type of technology scientists and engineers are creating in order to combat such disease. I'm sure it isn't very pleasant and people aren’t as willing to have colonoscopies done, so it's awesome to see a method developed that is not nearly as invasive. The article also mentioned how this method would be (someday, hopefully) more easily accessible to the general population. This would certainly increase the amount of preventative measures so that any cancerous tumors could be detected earlier on in the development of cancer in a body. It is crazy to think how ways have been developed to detect colon cancer by collecting and analyzing someone’s breath. Hopefully scientists will be able to apply this to other cancers. I’m excited to see the development of such technology in the future.
ReplyDeleteThis article is indeed interesting, but this finding can also be dangerous. While colonoscopy is a very invasive procedure in order to find out whether one is healthy or not, it is very accurate, moreso I believe, than this breath test is. While the breath test is more practical and easy, it may cause some misdiagnoses which is not a small issue when dealing with a condition such as cancer. When people believe that they have cancer it also changes their overall mood, which makes the body a more susceptible place for other cancers or disease. The scientists who found this breath test to be useful, I believe, should try to find a way to increase the accuracy of the test. Even though it is rather high, at 76%, I do not think that it should be used until the accuracy is above 95%, looking out for the well-being of the patients.
ReplyDelete