Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Emerging research suggests that dogs can detect several types of cancer in humans by identifying specific odor signatures left behind by the disease. With their highly sensitive noses, dogs could identify changes in human health.
Multiple studies have indicated that animals, particularly dogs, can detect subtle differences in body odor between healthy individuals and cancer patients.
Like many other illnesses, cancer produces a distinct “scent” in the body through substances called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds are generated by cancer cells—or healthy cells affected by cancer—and are released through bodily fluids such as urine, feces, sweat, breath, and blood.
According to MedicalNewsToday, studies over the last decade have shown that dogs can identify various types of cancer with impressive accuracy. Trained dogs, with their highly sensitive noses, can identify certain substances at concentrations as low as parts per trillion, enabling them to pinpoint cancer in human.
Dogs and Cancer Detection
Study finds, dogs successfully identified bladder cancer in urine samples nearly three times more often than chance would predict. Similarly, dogs detected and identified prostate cancer through urine.
Trained dogs could also detected lung cancer through breath samples with exceptionally high accuracy. Scientists have also found that dogs can identify colorectal cancer using watery stool samples and breath with high precision, even at early stages.
In a groundbreaking 2021 study, a dog trained to detect breast cancer achieved 100% accuracy when analyzing urine samples from 200 people. Among the participants, 40 had breast cancer, 182 had other cancers, and 18 were cancer-free.
These discoveries suggest that different cancers may share common odor signatures that dogs can recognize.
Dogs’ Role in Detecting Other Diseases
Beyond cancer, dogs have demonstrated a unique ability to detect various diseases through changes in human scent. According to Earth.com, study shows dogs can identify hypoglycemia episodes in diabetic individuals by sensing changes in body odor.
Trained dogs have also been reported able to detect malaria by sniffing worn socks from infected individuals. Dogs also have shown the ability to detect neurological diseases like Parkinson’s and infections caused by Clostridium difficile.
This remarkable skill relies on dogs’ ability to detect VOCs, which are often associated with changes in health.
Promising Diagnostic Tool
Using trained dogs to detect and diagnose health issue offers a noninvasive, low-risk method that could significantly benefit medical diagnostics. Researchers are currently exploring ways to integrate medical detection dogs into real-world diagnostics, particularly for cancer screening and monitoring.
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Additionally, dogs’ ability to recognize specific disease-related odors is helping scientists develop “electronic noses”—devices that could reliably detect cancer and other illnesses by mimicking canine olfactory systems.
Ongoing Research and Future Potential
While dogs’ contributions to cancer detection are promising, further research is needed to confirm their effectiveness and reliability. Scientists are investigating which dog breeds are best suited for medical detection and determining the most effective training methods.
Combining canine detection with cutting-edge technologies like electronic noses could revolutionize how doctors diagnose and treat diseases. Though traditional diagnostic methods remain essential, the integration of innovative approaches such as these may lead to earlier detection and improved outcomes for patients worldwide.
(Raidi/Agung)
