A review of early detection of cancers using breath analysis

Abstract

Authentic and accurate information is basic to any disease control initiative. More than 70% of diseases are related to life-style factors such as food and beverage practices, personal habits, infections, tobacco consumption and social customs. In addition, urbanization, industrialization and increasing life-span are also known to influence the cancer pattern globally. This necessitates proper appreciation of risk factors and other causes of cancer by the people. Various modalities for early detection through screening are being investigated. Majority of the patients have locally advanced or disseminated disease at presentation and are not candidates for surgery. Chemotherapy applied as an adjunct with radiation improves survival and the quality of life. New anticancer drugs, which have emerged during the last decade, have shown an improved efficacy toxicity ratio. This review is more about the diagnosing cancer at an early stage using invasive electronic sensors and intelligent computing methods by capturing only the breath of the human being. Strengthening the methods for early diagnosis of cancers and improved treatments will have a significant impact on cutting death rates.