A breath test that can sniff-out cancer is a step closer to reality, according to a preliminary study. Researchers found an "electronic nose" was able to identify chemical signals of cancer in the breath of patients with lung or head and neck cancer.

A cancer charity said it would take years of research to see if the breath test could be used in the clinic. About 80 volunteers took part in the Israeli research, published in the British Journal of Cancer. Of these 22 had various head-and-neck cancers, 24 had lung cancer and 36 were healthy. The prototype breath test uses a chemical method to spot markers of cancer present in the breath. The hope is that one day such a test could be used in a GP's surgery to give an instant diagnosis.

'Urgent need'

Researchers at the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology - are working on a device called the nano artificial nose. They looked at head-and-neck cancer, which is often diagnosed late, making it more difficult to treat successfully. Lead researcher, Professor Hossam Haick, said: "There's an urgent need to develop new ways to detect head-and-neck cancer because diagnosis of the disease is complicated, requiring specialist examinations.

A woman has run the Reading half marathon in memory of her late husband who died of asbestos-related lung cancer at the end of January. Ros Lee, from Charvil, ran as a tribute to her husband, Steve, who was a member of the Reading Roadrunners. They completed the half marathon together in 2009 to raise money for research into mesothelioma, despite Mr Lee having the terminal disease.

Mrs Lee said: "I cried when I was doing it this time, thinking of Steve".

She added: "He's my inspiration and I just wanted him to be proud of me."

Mr Lee died in January aged 65 from the asbestos-related cancer. Mrs Lee wore bracelets bearing their first names as she ran, and took along the shirt she wore when they ran together two years ago. She completed the course on Sunday in about two-and-a-half hours and was accompanied by members of the Reading Roadrunners.

One member, Barry Baker, who was the best man at Steve and Ros's wedding in 2007, finished the race then ran back to join Mrs Lee as she completed the rest of the 13.1 miles. Before his death, Mr Lee and the club had raised more than £40,000 for the June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund. Mrs Lee ran in aid of the fund.