【medical-news】牙医能诊断乳腺癌

http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/news/newsarchive/2007/march/18095616
Dentists could test for breast cancer
WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2007
Researchers found that salivary testing could help dentists test for breast cancer.

A new study has revealed details of a new salivary test that could help to increase the early detection of breast cancer. Sebastian Paige and Charles Streckfus have published details of their research in the latest issue of General Dentistry.

It is hoped that the ability to test protein levels in saliva on regular visits to the dentist could help to boost early breast cancer detection rates in a number of women.

Collecting samples from patients via saliva has a number of advantages over blood testing, especially because it is less invasive and there is no pain involved.

The Academy of General Dentistry?s vice-president Paula Jones, explained: "Since a patient visits the dentist more frequently than their physician, it makes sense that this diagnostic tool could be very effective in the hands of the general dentist."

However, she added that the new testing method should not replace standard well established breast cancer tests such as routine mammogram screening.