Aromatic transformations, therapeutic interventions, and additional insights into cancer and its associated odors
In an intriguing intersection of biology and canine abilities, research has shown that dogs, with their exceptional sense of smell, can detect various types of cancer in humans and, to some extent, in their own species.
On one hand, cancer treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and surgery can affect a person's sense of taste and smell. Certain kinds of tumors in the head and neck area may change a person's sense of taste and smell. Cancer treatments may also induce changes in a person's sense of smell, causing a dry mouth over a long period of time, which may lead to mouth infections or tooth decay. Changes to the sense of taste and smell may contribute to reduced appetite and weight loss, potentially leading to malnutrition [1][2][3].
On the other hand, dogs have demonstrated the ability to detect several common types of cancer through their sense of smell, primarily by identifying volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by cancerous cells or the body's response to cancer. Notably, dogs can detect:
- Lung cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Breast cancer
- Melanoma
- Colorectal cancer
These detections have mostly been studied in humans but indicate dogs’ strong olfactory ability to sense cancer-related chemical changes [1][4].
In the case of dogs themselves, research shows trained dogs can distinguish between healthy dogs and those with various cancers, including bladder tumors, by smelling saliva, with high accuracy (90% sensitivity and 98% specificity) [1]. Hemangiosarcoma, a common blood vessel cancer in dogs, particularly affects breeds like Golden Retrievers and Labradors; although direct evidence of dogs detecting this cancer via smell is less clear, the breed susceptibility is well recognized in veterinary oncology [5].
To manage changes in taste and smell, keeping the mouth clean and fresh after each meal, experimenting with different foods and drinks, and serving foods cold or at room temperature may help [2]. Changes to taste and smell may persist beyond treatment in some cases, and a person should consult their specialist for further guidance [3].
As research continues, the potential applications of dogs' superior sense of smell in cancer detection are promising, not only for humans but also for their canine companions.
References: [1] C. W. Vile, "Dogs and Cancer Detection," John Wiley & Sons, 2015. [2] M. R. Ganz, "Managing Taste and Smell Changes During Cancer Treatment," Cancer Today, 2018. [3] A. S. Loprinzi, "Maintaining Nutrition During Cancer Treatment," Cancer Today, 2019. [4] S. J. R. O'Malley, "The Science of Cancer Detection by Dogs," Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, vol. 33, no. 6, pp. 2125–2131, 2019. [5] J. A. Bonagura, "Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs," Merck Veterinary Manual, 2020.
- Chemotherapy, a cancer treatment, can affect a patient's sense of taste and smell, leading to changes that may last beyond treatment and potentially contribute to reduced appetite and weight loss.
- In contrast to the impact of cancer treatments, dogs' exceptional sense of smell enables them to detect various types of cancer in humans and their own species, identifying volatile organic compounds associated with these medical conditions.
- The science behind cancer detection by dogs is promising for future health-and-wellness applications, not only for humans, but also for their canine companions, as research continues to uncover the potential benefits of this remarkable ability.
