Microsoft Mines Search Queries To Find Warning Signs To Cancer

The researchers focused on searches that indicated someone had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. From there, they worked backward, looking for earlier queries that could have shown that the user was experiencing symptoms before the diagnosis.

Microsoft scientists have demonstrated that by analyzing large samples of search engine queries they may in some cases be able to identify internet users who are suffering from pancreatic cancer, even before they have received a diagnosis of the disease. The scientists said they hoped their work could lead to early detection of cancer. Their study was published on Tuesday in The Journal of Oncology Practice by Dr. Eric Horvitz and Dr. Ryen White, the Microsoft researchers, and John Paparrizos, a Columbia University graduate student. (Markoff, 6/7)

Meanwhile, a bill requiring the government to track cancer clusters heads to the president —

Congress finally came through for Idaho’s Trevor Schaefer on Tuesday night. Ending seven years of work for the cancer survivor from Boise, the Senate gave final approval to “Trevor’s Law,” legislation that will require the federal government to document and track childhood and adult cancer clusters in Idaho and around the nation. (Hotakainen, 6/8)

This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.

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