Conclusions
Early detection saves lives. Therefore, it is necessary to implement new and alternative technologies that allow the development of accessible diagnostic methods that cover at least some of the limitations presented by conventional screening tests for the detection of diseases such as cancer, especially Cervical Cancer.
The canine detection of odors or volatile profiles emitted by cancer cells is a portable, highly sensitive and specific tool which could be used as a screening alternative (asfast track) in marginalized or areas of difficult access (even in the urban regions) to increase coverage in high-risk populations. Additionally, the use of a trained dog for screening could facilite prevention campaigns, saving money, time, labor, and lives due to an early diagnosis.
The CC and its precursor lesions detection is a priority health concern in different countries, therefore having an analytical alternative (GC-MS) and a biological alternative (canine smell) for screening could be a great support technique for conventional methods offering a non-invasive, fast, and accurate detection that can be carried out repeatedly and that would also be useful for monitoring the disease.
Applications for these tools extend to providing much needed medical attention for women from cultural backgrounds imposing several prohibitions, deep-rooted cultural taboos, religious beliefs, shame, or lack of health coverages. We thought that a “with a little help” to current methods by using improved, non-expensive and innovative procedures will conduct to accurate and timely diagnostics for this cancer type. Unfortunately, for both analytical and bio-detection methods, there is no consensus in the methodologies used or in the results obtained, thus this is a call to join forces with the scientific and social communities (research groups) for the replication of the studies that lead to the future implementation of these methodologies for clinical diagnosis.