A new innovation developed by scientists in Israel may be able to detect traces of lung cancer in human breath, by identifying molecules linked to the condition. The device would be hand-held and easy to use, and could potentially be available at any family doctor or general practitioner’s office, in the future.

1.3 million people die of lung cancer every year, with 50% dying in the first year after diagnosis, and 80% within the first two years. It is notoriously difficult to detect while in early stages.