Dogs’ extraordinary sense of smell has long been used by police, customs officials and search-and-rescue teams. Now, researchers in India are exploring whether the same ability could be used to help detect cancer.
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Indian startup Dognosis is developing an unusual approach to cancer screening: Instead of relying solely on blood tests or imaging scans, researchers are using specially trained dogs. In the lab, about 15 dogs analyze human breath samples, while artificial intelligence translates their responses into data.
How dogs can «smell» cancer
Researchers are relying on dogs’ ability to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals whose levels can change in response to various diseases. Cancer can produce a characteristic pattern of these compounds.
The test, called BreathEasy, requires a person to breathe into a special cotton mask for about 10 minutes. The mask is then sealed and sent to a laboratory, where trained dogs analyze the sample. The patient has no contact with the animals.
During testing, the dogs wear special helmets and harnesses equipped with sensors that record their breathing, movements and brain activity. The data is then processed using AI.
Results are promising
According to Dognosis, a study involving more than 1,500 people at six hospitals in Karnataka found that the dogs correctly identified more than 90% of cancer cases and more than 91% of noncancer samples.
The study included 283 patients with confirmed cancer and 1,219 patients without cancer. The analysis covered seven groups of tumors, including head and neck, breast, lung, gastrointestinal and genitourinary cancers.
The company also reported comparable results for early-stage cancer. However, larger independent studies will be needed to confirm the findings.
Why is this needed?
The developers envision BreathEasy as a preliminary screening tool that could help identify people who should undergo further medical testing. A positive result would not replace a biopsy, imaging scan or other diagnostic methods.
Dognosis plans to conduct additional clinical trials as it prepares to bring BreathEasy to the Indian market. The company expects to launch the test commercially in Bengaluru in 2027.
