Japanese and American researchers have successfully created a technique that can detect cancers of the pancreas, breast and mouth by using a simple saliva test.
Researchers comment on the magnitude of this finding because saliva is easier to collect than blood or stool.
Teams at Keio University in Tokyo and UCLA in Los Angeles developed the technique. There is no timeframe to implement the test at this point.
Scientists analyzed 215 samples from cancer patients. They identified 54 chemicals whose presence may reveal the disease. With the new technique, saliva tests successfully revealed 99% of pancreatic cancers, 95% of breast cancers and 80% of oral cancers.
The technology can identify 500 substances in all. It means cancer can be detected in its earliest stages. In addition, results can be ready after only half a day at most which greatly aids in the diagnosis process.
A statement issued by researchers reads: "The survival rates of pancreatic cancer and oral cancer are especially low, because they don’t show clear symptoms in early stages, which often delays spotting of the illness."
Researchers expect this technique will be applied to other diseases as well.