Cancer Treatments and Their Impact on Body Odor
Interestingly, cancer treatments, particularly chemotherapy, are much more likely to cause changes in body odor than cancer itself. Chemotherapy drugs are potent, and as they work their way through the body, they can bring about noticeable shifts in how a person smells. Some chemotherapy drugs can leave a metallic or chemical scent that lingers in sweat, urine, and even breath.
Patients often describe this scent as being hard to overlook, and it can become even more pronounced if the person is dehydrated. Additionally, chemotherapy can lead to dry mouth and nausea, both of which can contribute to unpleasant breath. Changes in the color and smell of urine are also common during the course of treatment.
Could Smell Become a Key in Cancer Detection?
Although it might seem like something out of a science fiction story, there’s solid research supporting the idea of using smell to diagnose cancer. The aim is to create devices that can detect cancer in a similar way to trained dogs – by “sniffing out” the specific VOCs that cancer produces. Scientists hope to develop tools that can identify cancer in its early stages, when treatment is most effective.
Currently, this technology is still in the development phase, and most people rely on traditional diagnostic methods such as imaging scans and biopsies. But as researchers continue to explore the realm of VOCs, we might one day see the emergence of non-invasive tests that can use a simple breath or urine sample to diagnose cancer early.
