Chinese and Israeli scientists have developed a test that can, with 90% accuracy detect and distinguish cancers from other stomach complaints. The test was carried out on 130 patients. Of the 130 patients, 37 had stomach cancer, 32 had stomach ulcers and 61 had other stomach complaints.

In Britain alone, some 7 000 people develop stomach cancer each year. Two fifths of people only survive for the first year after diagnosis, and only one fifth of those diagnosed survive past five years, even with treatment.

Stomach cancers are currently being diagnosed by doctors by taking a biopsy of the stomach lining using a probe and flexible camera that is passed through the mouth. The new test looks for specific chemicals in patients’ exhaled breath that are unique to stomach cancer patients, as cancer gives off a “volatile organic compound” which can be detected using the correct medical kits.

Breath tests for cancers are not a new technology, but Professor Hossam Haick, of the Israel Institute of Technology says it is a good way to spot stomach cancer.

Kate Law, director of clinical research at Cancer Research UK, said:

The results of this latest study are promising – although large scale trials will now be needed to confirm these findings. Only one in five people are able to have surgery as part of their treatment as most stomach cancers are diagnosed at stages that are too advanced for surgery. Any test that could help diagnose stomach cancers earlier would make a difference to patients’ long-term survival.

The British Journal of Cancer says the test could revolutionise the speed of testing stomach cancer.

[Source: BBC News]