The breathing device is similar to the one used to determine when a driver has had too much to drink.
In a new study from Italy, researchers tested 37 people who had colorectal cancer and 41 people without cancer. Researchers were able to identify cancer patients with 75- percent accuracy by analyzing breath samples.
Doctors say the technique of breath sampling is still in the early phase of development, but could be a reality within 5 years.
The study is published online Thursday in the ''British Journal Of Surgery.''