Swish, Spit, and Screen for Breast Cancer

Charles Streckfus, dentist and researcher at the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston believes that saliva contains biomarkers for breast cancer and other cancers, which one day may prove to be an easy, cost-effective early detection test. Photo by Erika E. Durham, UTH

You probably see your dentist every six months, for routine cleanings. In the future, you may be able to swish, spit, and be screened for breast cancer. That's because saliva can be tested for diseases and conditions that currently require a blood or urine sample.
Dr. Charles F. Streckfus, of the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston does research on saliva. Dr Streckfus and other researchers are developing a saliva test that would detect breast cancer in it's early and most successfully treated stages.

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• Saliva Research May Yield Breast Cancer Dividends
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