A new, affordable approach to breast cancer screening uses a saliva sample. Early reports indicate that the test can flag the presence of disease in about five seconds per sample, suggesting a rapid, noninvasive screening option that could be used more broadly and frequently than traditional methods.
Researchers based in Florida and Taiwan describe a palm-sized, reusable device designed to work with a simple test strip. The strip resembles those used in glucometers and carries antibodies for two well-known breast cancer biomarkers: HER2 and CA 15-3. The American Cancer Society notes that roughly one in five breast cancers overexpress HER2, while many patients exhibit elevated CA 15-3 levels. The combination of these markers in saliva aims to provide a quick readout that complements existing diagnostic tools rather than replacing them outright.
According to the developers, the device could offer a low-cost alternative to hospital-based procedures such as mammography and ultrasound for breast cancer detection. The aim is to deliver results in under five seconds per sample, enabling rapid screening in community clinics, rural areas, and regions with limited access to traditional imaging services. The speed and simplicity of the test could allow for more frequent monitoring, which may help with early detection and timely intervention.
In initial trials, the device was tested on saliva samples from 17 women with breast cancer and four healthy volunteers. The results demonstrated a clear separation between those with the disease and those without, indicating the assay’s potential to distinguish cancer status from a noninvasive sample. While promising, researchers emphasize that larger, more diverse trials are needed to determine sensitivity, specificity, and real-world performance across populations.
Experts note that in many parts of the world, including developing countries, access to advanced diagnostic technologies is limited. A saliva-based test with a low per-use cost could help bridge gaps in care by offering a portable, inexpensive screening option suitable for primary care settings. The researchers estimate that a disposable test strip costs only a few cents, while the reusable circuit board component could be produced for around five dollars, potentially lowering overall costs and expanding testing capacity. Nevertheless, medical professionals would likely use this screening method in conjunction with confirmatory tests and imaging studies to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.
As with any new diagnostic tool, the path from research to routine clinical use involves careful evaluation of usability, accuracy, regulatory compliance, and patient outcomes. The collaboration between researchers in Florida and Taiwan highlights the global effort to develop accessible screening modalities that can reach underserved communities while maintaining rigorous scientific and ethical standards. If validated in larger studies, saliva-based testing could become a complementary option to traditional methods, contributing to earlier detection and improved breast cancer care across diverse settings.