A change in body odor, often dismissed as a byproduct of a busy lifestyle, can in some instances be an indicator of a growing tumor, according to medical experts. Maria Schenkel, a 41-year-old mother of two, initially attributed her intensifying body odor to the demands of her work and family life.
"I remember thinking, 'Why do I smell so bad?', because I would have just showered, not sweat at all and then smelled so awful still," Schenkel said. She continued to overlook the persistent smell for weeks, a decision she later regretted when a lump was discovered in her breast.
Doctors diagnosed Schenkel with invasive ductal carcinoma, a two-inch cancerous tumor that had been present for some time. Following a mastectomy, she has been cancer-free for two years. Her experience underscores the importance of heeding subtle bodily changes.
Dr. John Riches, a consultant hematologist at Barts and the London NHS Trust, explained that cancer cells can release compounds into the bloodstream, which the body then expels through sweat and breath, potentially altering body odor. "What's quite rare is that people are able to smell it themselves," he noted.
Research indicates that rapidly growing cancer cells can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These particles can be excreted through the skin, breath, urine, and stool. Efforts are underway to develop methods for early cancer detection by measuring VOCs. Emerging studies suggest that analyzing urine and breath may help identify early-stage gastrointestinal, liver, and prostate cancers, and major research programs are investigating VOCs released by common breast tumors.
Schenkel's altered body odor was accompanied by other symptoms she initially dismissed, including extreme fatigue, intense sugar cravings, bloating, and inexplicable bruises. The presence of a slightly harder tissue in her breast, noticed after her daughter accidentally bumped it, prompted her to seek medical attention.
After an ultrasound, mammogram, and biopsy, she received her diagnosis. Schenkel, who maintained a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a plant-based diet, and no history of cancer in her family, expressed shock at the diagnosis. "I couldn't believe it," she stated.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with nearly 60,000 new cases diagnosed annually. While the majority of cases occur in women over 50, there has been a rapid rise in early-onset breast cancers among women under 50. This demographic now accounts for one in five breast cancer cases, a significant increase since the early 1990s. Factors such as rising obesity rates, processed diets, and pollution have been linked to this trend.
Experts caution that younger women often dismiss early symptoms of breast cancer, attributing them to hormonal changes or their age. Studies suggest that women under 40 are significantly more likely to die from the condition compared to those over 40, partly due to delayed diagnosis. Common symptoms, including lumps, skin changes, alterations in breast size or shape, and persistent pain, are consistent across age groups.
"Don't assume you're overreacting," Schenkel advised. "If something keeps bothering you or doesn't feel normal, get it checked. Listening to your body could make all the difference."