A new study in America has found that dogs can detect lung cancer with up to 97% accuracy.
Three beagles successfully identified lung cancer through their scent and proved that those snouts can do more than just an adorable boop.
“There is still a great deal of work ahead, but we’re making good progress,” said Thomas Quinn, the lead author of the study.
The beagles undertook eight weeks of training and could distinguish whether blood serum samples were from actual cancer patients or from healthy participants with extraordinary results. The dogs would sniff a blood sample and sit down next to ones they discovered were cancer positive.
Current technology being used is both unreliable and expensive.
“Right now it appears dogs have a better natural ability to screen for cancer than our most advanced technology,” says Dr. Quinn. “Once we figure out what they know and how we may be able to catch up.”
This study could revolutionise cancer detection methods as overall it is more reliable, cheaper and safer.
Globally, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths for both men and women so any help these dogs can provide prove yet again why dogs are mans best friend!
