A persistent and unexplained change in body odor can be an indicator of a growing tumor, according to Dr. John Riches, a consultant hematologist. Cancer cells can release compounds into the bloodstream that are then excreted through sweat, blood, and breath, potentially altering body odor.
Maria Schenkel, a 41-year-old mother of two, initially attributed her increasing body odor to her busy lifestyle. However, the smell persisted even after showering and eventually prompted her to seek medical attention. A few months later, she discovered a two-inch cancerous tumor in her breast, a condition she was later diagnosed with as invasive ductal carcinoma.
Schenkel underwent a mastectomy and has been cancer-free for two years. She expressed regret for not acting sooner on the subtle changes in her body, emphasizing the importance of listening to one's body.
Research suggests that rapidly growing cancer cells release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be excreted through the skin, breath, urine, and stool. Ongoing studies are exploring the detection of early-stage cancers by measuring these VOCs. Some emerging research indicates that analyzing urine and breath can help identify tumors in gastrointestinal, liver, and prostate cancers. Major research programs are also investigating VOCs released by common breast tumors.
Dr. Riches noted that while it's rare for individuals to detect these changes themselves, animals like dogs have been known to sense cancer by detecting VOCs. The ability of humans to detect these compounds with their less acute sense of smell is still under investigation.
In Schenkel's case, the change in body odor was accompanied by other symptoms, which she initially dismissed. These included extreme fatigue, heavy legs, intense cravings for sugary foods, regular bloating, and unexplained bruises. The detection of a slightly firmer area in her breast, initially mistaken for dense breast tissue, ultimately led her to seek a medical evaluation.
An ultrasound, mammogram, and biopsy confirmed her diagnosis. The diagnosis came as a surprise to Schenkel, who maintained a healthy lifestyle, including a plant-based diet, regular exercise, and no history of cancer in her family.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with nearly 60,000 diagnoses annually. While most cases occur in women over 50, the incidence of early-onset breast cancer in women under 50 is rapidly increasing. Women under 50 now represent one in five breast cancer cases, a significant rise from the early 1990s. Factors such as rising obesity rates, ultra-processed diets, and pollution changes have been linked to this increase.
Experts warn that many younger women dismiss early symptoms of breast cancer, often attributing changes to hormonal shifts or believing they are too young for the disease. This can lead to delayed diagnosis, with studies indicating that women under 40 are significantly more likely to die from the condition than older women. Common symptoms for all age groups include a new lump or thickening in the breast, changes in skin or breast shape, and persistent pain.
Schenkel advises others not to dismiss concerning symptoms and to seek medical attention if something feels abnormal, stating, "Don't assume you're overreacting. If something keeps bothering you or doesn't feel normal, get it checked. Listening to your body could make all the difference."