Scientists are developing a portable sensor which would be capable of detecting skin cancers from chemicals released by the skin.
The team from Bournemouth University (BU) and University Hospitals Dorset has launched a three-year study at Poole Hospital in Britain to examine how to create the rapid sensor, which would not need specialist training to use.
A BU spokesman explained skin cancer sites are known to release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – organic chemicals which easily evaporate.
He said: “The study aims to identify the VOCs which are specific to skin cancers and develop a rapid, portable device which can detect them.”
Richard Paul, professor of bioanalytical chemistry at the university, who is leading the study, said: “People with suspected skin cancer usually present at their GP surgery, where a doctor is tasked with making a visual assessment before deciding whether to refer the patient for specialist assessment.
“Skin cancers can be difficult to diagnose, and as such the rates of unnecessary referrals for specialist assessment are high.