Lately scientists have managed to detect not only cancer but even its type by a simple breath test, which could simply be made available in a GP's surgery.

As per the study, a sample breath test was conducted which was able to detect cancer and distinguish between lung, bowel, breast and prostate cancers. The results were same irrespective of the patient's age, gender and lifestyle habits like smoking etc.

This study will help the early detection of cancer, which will result in early treatment; consequently, the chances of recovery are more. The results of the study have been published in the British Journal of Cancer.

The surface of the cells discharges chemicals, when the cancer develops. The sensors could be used to detect these chemicals in the breath.

The researchers shared that these sensors involve gold nanoparticles. Professor Abraham Kuten, co-author of the paper, who is based at Technion Israel Institute of Technology, added that an 'electronic nose' can make a distinction between healthy and malignant breath.

It is also capable of distinguishing between the breaths of patients who suffer from different type of cancers.

He said, “If we can confirm these initial results in large-scale studies, this new technology could become a simple tool for early diagnosis of cancer, along with imaging”.