Breast cancer breath test developed

ATLANTA, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they are working to determine whether breast cancer can be detected by using a breath test.

Researchers from the Georgia Tech Research Institute and Emory Winship Cancer Institute found in a pilot study that nearly 80 percent of women who had Stage II, III or IV breast cancer registered positive on the breath test, while 70 percent to 80 percent of those who did not came up as negative, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Tuesday.

"The technology of breath analysis has been around for decades, but the opportunity to develop a small hand-held collection/interpretation device available in physicians' offices is why we are continuing to move forward with this research for breast and potentially other cancer detection," Dr. Sheryl Gabram-Mendola of the Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence told the newspaper.

The testing device reportedly is a 4-inch cylinder that resembles a Breathalyzer.

Researchers told the Journal-Constitution they don't expect breath tests to replace mammograms. But they hope it can be useful for testing high-risk women more frequently and to keep closer track of cancer survivors.