RecruitingNot ApplicableObservational

Study to assess if sweat analysis from human finger tips can confirm breast cancer diagnosis

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. Finding it early usually involves mammograms (special X-rays) or tissue biopsies. While effective, these tests can sometimes cause discomfort, anxiety, or light bruising. This study is looking at a gentle, non-invasive alternative: testing sweat from the fingertips. Everyone produces tiny amounts of natural sweat, which contains unique chemical markers. Scientists want to see if a sensitive laboratory technique can spot specific 'fingerprints' of breast cancer in these secretions. Around 200 women are taking part at breast clinics in Doncaster. Joining involves washing your hands, waiting a short time, and gently pressing your fingertips onto small metal slides. Taking part takes around 20 minutes, is completely painless, and could help shape faster, friendlier screening tools for the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Not Applicable

Sponsor

Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

200

Start

01 Oct 2026

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2027

Breast cancer

What is this study about?

Around 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year. Finding cancer early gives treatment the best chance of working. Today, doctors rely on mammograms and tissue biopsies to check for changes in the breast. While these tests save lives, they can be uncomfortable, cause anxiety, and carry small risks such as bruising or radiation exposure. Some people also find having their breasts examined or compressed difficult or culturally uncomfortable.

To help solve this, researchers at Sheffield Hallam University and Doncaster breast clinics are testing an innovative approach: analysing fingertip sweat. Our bodies naturally release tiny amounts of chemicals through the skin. Advanced laboratory machines, called mass spectrometers, can detect microscopic patterns in these chemicals. Early research suggests these sweat patterns might differ between people who have breast cancer and those who do not.

This study aims to confirm whether fingertip sweat testing is truly reliable, sensitive, and easy for patients to use. Researchers are also asking participants and NHS staff for their thoughts to find out if this could work smoothly in everyday breast clinics. If successful, this gentle test could pave the way for larger trials and provide a painless, radiation-free way to help screen and monitor breast cancer in the NHS.

Key takeaways

Researchers are testing whether a quick fingertip sweat smear can detect breast cancer.
The test is completely painless, radiation-free, and takes about 20 minutes during a clinic visit.
The study includes newly diagnosed patients, advanced breast cancer patients, and healthy women with non-cancerous breast changes.
Women currently on active chemotherapy or who are pregnant or breastfeeding cannot take part.
Participation is voluntary and will not replace or delay your regular NHS care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to adult women aged 18 to 100 who attend participating breast clinics in Doncaster. It includes women who have recently received a new diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer, those living with advanced breast cancer, and women attending the clinic who have benign (non-cancerous) breast changes.

To make sure the chemical readings in the sweat are clear and accurate, certain people cannot take part. You cannot join if you are currently receiving active chemotherapy, as these strong medicines alter sweat chemistry.

Additionally, the study is not suitable for women who have had any other type of cancer in the past, or who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am a woman aged 18 or older.
I attend a participating breast clinic in Doncaster.
I have either been diagnosed with breast cancer or have non-cancerous (benign) breast changes.
I am not currently receiving active chemotherapy.
I have never been diagnosed with any other type of cancer.
I am not currently pregnant or breastfeeding.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part is designed to be quick, simple, and painless. It happens during a routine clinic appointment and takes about 20 minutes in total.

You will begin by washing your hands thoroughly with water to clean your skin. You will then sit comfortably for about 15 minutes to allow a fresh, natural film of sweat to form on your fingertips. After this, you will gently press your fingertips onto specially coated aluminium slides—three gentle presses per finger. There are no needles, no medications, and no radiation.

After providing your sweat samples, you will be asked to fill in a short, simple questionnaire about your experience. The team will ask if the test felt acceptable, easy, and free from distress. Researchers will also look at your relevant medical notes using a secure code to protect your privacy. There is no long-term follow-up required after your visit.

Potential risks and benefits

This study does not involve taking any new medicines or undergoing invasive procedures, so there is virtually no physical risk or pain involved. Taking part will not change your personal medical treatment or provide a direct cure. However, your contribution helps scientists understand whether this gentle test could make future cancer diagnosis much easier and less stressful for others. Your participation is entirely voluntary, and you are free to change your mind and stop at any time without your regular NHS care being affected.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Doncaster, England

Common questions

Does the fingertip sweat test hurt?

No, it is completely painless. It only involves pressing your clean fingertips onto small, smooth metal slides.

Will this replace my usual mammogram or biopsy?

Not right now. This is a research study to see if the technology works. You will continue to have all of your standard NHS tests and treatments as planned.

What is mass spectrometry?

Mass spectrometry is a high-tech laboratory method that weighs and identifies tiny molecules. Scientists use it to spot distinct chemical patterns or 'signatures' in your sweat.

How long will my appointment take?

The sample collection and brief questionnaire take around 20 minutes in total, usually done alongside your regular clinic visit.

Is my personal data kept safe?

Yes. Your samples and medical details are labelled with a confidential code (pseudo-anonymised) so that laboratory researchers cannot identify you personally.

How to find out more

Lynda Wyld

l.wyld@sheffield.ac.uk +44 1302642397 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.