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Dentists 'could test saliva' for breast cancer
Dentists may be able to screen patients for breast cancer through a simple saliva test, US scientists say.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center say that they have identified protein 'markers' in saliva that provide an early diagnosis of breast cancer, and they propose a screening test that could be administered by dentists.
The researchers see the test, clinical trials of which are being planned, as an additional tool alongside other methods of diagnosis such as ultrasounds and tissue analysis. The team is also investigating whether saliva could also be used to aid the detection of other cancers.
Commenting on the possibility of dentists, rather than doctors, administering the tests, lead researcher Charles Streckfus said: 'Most folks, especially women and children, visit the dental office way more often than they ever see the physician.
'Saliva is a non-invasive, quicker way for detection.'
However, the suggestion has been received with caution by UK dentists. BBC News reports that Professor Damien Walmsley of the British Dental Association (BDA) said: 'Maybe one day it will be feasible to go to the dentist to be screened for a variety of disorders in the body, including breast cancer, though it's more likely that the test will be done in specialist centres or by your GP.'
Meanwhile, a Dutch survey has found that dental treatment in England is the most expensive of nine European countries examined. But the BDA has criticised the findings, which it says are based on just four of the UK's 10,000 dental practices.
Spokesperson Peter Ward said: 'It is a very small sample, it is not representative and it is not comparing like with like.'
'It is impossible to make a sensible comment on flawed data.'
Category: Healthcare
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