Summary- The theory behind this is that dogs can be trained to sniff out early signs of lung cancer on a patient's breath. German scientist claimed on Thrusday, 18 August, 2011. The Scientists that are researching this sound that dogs that were trained to pick up on volatile organic compounds linked to the presence of cancer correctly identified 71% of the people with the disease and detected 93% of patients who didn't have lung cancer. The dogs were also able to distinguish between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is linked to smoking, and the patients with tumors, according to scientists at Schillerhohe Hospital in Stuttgart, southern Germany.
Critique- I think that its great that scientist are able to teach dogs to sniff out lung cancer, with distiction to which kind. But how is going to help in the medical world? If a patient has symptoms of lung cancer are you goin to bring in a dog and have it smell the patients breath??? I don't think so. Even if they do, what if the canine gets it wrong? I guess it depend on what perspective you look at it from.
Impact- It definately will impact the medical world and it may even help cancer researchers in a way. Maybe now they can teach canines to sniff out other diseases. This will definately change the way the some people think about dogs and there intelligence.
Good Post, so you don't think dogs would work in a hospital environment? Probably as accurate as many tests, think of the cost savings!
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