Canadian Scientists Develop Groundbreaking Method to Detect Lung Cancer Risk

A research team from the University of Calgary in Canada has developed an innovative and unconventional method for the early detection of lung cancer — based on analyzing toenails to identify individuals most at risk of the disease.

This new scientific approach relies on a precise biological phenomenon: when a person inhales radon gas, the body converts it into radioactive lead, which accumulates in slow-growing tissues such as nails. Using highly advanced measurement techniques, the researchers successfully detected trace amounts of radioactive lead inside toenails, allowing for highly accurate assessment of radon exposure levels.

In laboratory experiments, the scientists identified the lead-210 isotope — produced by radon decay — in 39 out of 55 toenail samples analyzed, representing about 71% of the cases. The results showed that individuals who had lived for long periods in homes with high radon levels exhibited greater concentrations of this isotope in their nails.

More importantly, the radioactive trace remains stored in the nails for many years, even after moving to a safer environment, making nails a permanent biological record of exposure to hazardous environmental factors.

According to the researchers, this method could revolutionize early lung cancer detection, especially for non-smokers who may be unknowingly exposed to radon — paving the way for faster diagnosis and saving more lives.