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Breath test could detect stomach cancer risk

New research has found a breath test could help detect stomach cancer. Photo: Thinkstock
New research has found a breath test could help detect stomach cancer. Photo: Thinkstock

A new study has found a breath test could help predict whether people with gut problems are at risk of developing stomach cancer.

Research published in the journal Gut has found that detecting chemical compounds in people’s breath could help identify those in pre-cancerous stages. While more research needs to be done, experts believe that a breath test could help patients on the brink of cancer get treated earlier.

During the study, scientists studied breath samples from 145 patients, around 30 were already known to have stomach cancer, and the rest had concerning symptoms. They hadn’t been diagnosed with cancer but had changes that could be described as “pre-cancerous”.

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According to Cancer Australia, an estimated 2080 Australians are expected to be diagnosed with stomach cancer in the next five years and while the survival rates have increased in recent years, there’s no routine screening test. It can often be diagnosed late because symptoms such as pain and indigestion can be misdiagnosed.

Scientists say early detection may help improve the prognosis in patients and research among thousands of patients is now underway.


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