315: follow your nose to detect cancers

Fascinating story this one, from the BBC. As today's linked article reports, US researchers have discovered that certain types of skin cancer - basal cell carcinomas - give off a scent, which they can pick up using a machine they've developed. In a similar UK study, researchers are exploring whether bladder cancer might be identified in a similar way, through subtle changes in the smell of a patient's urine that dogs can be trained to detect. And it's even been postulated that lung cancer tumors might be detected through specific odors in a patient's breath. Certainly, if deemed sufficiently accurate, such tests would be a welcome non-invasive method of diagnosis - and I suppose it would give further weight to the idea that dogs are mankind's best friends.