New Breath Test for Pancreatic Cancer Shows Promise in Early Detection
A new breath test designed to detect pancreatic cancer at an early stage is currently undergoing a large-scale clinical trial in the UK. The trial, known as the VAPOR study, is a collaboration between Imperial College London and the nonprofit Pancreatic Cancer UK. It aims to enroll 6,000 patients across 40 locations in Scotland, Wales, and England. The test works by detecting Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in a person's breath, which can indicate the presence of cancer. Pancreatic cancer is notoriously difficult to diagnose early due to its common and easily dismissed symptoms such as back pain, indigestion, and fatigue. The breath test is seen as a potential breakthrough in early detection, which could significantly improve survival rates.