Microsoft scientists have published a study in the Journal of Cancer Practice in which they show how analysing search engine queries can identify internet users who are battling pancreatic cancer even before diagnosis . The study showed that early detection can increase the five - year survival rate of the disease from 3 % to 5 - 7 % . The research team were able to accurately distinguish between genuine , symptomatic searches and casual or anxiety - driven searches . Continuing to study search engine evidence for other diseases , the team demonstrated that symptom alert data could be made available as part of a wider health service initiative by companies such as Microsoft .
Microsoft scientists have published a study in the Journal of Oncology Practice in which they show how analysing search engine queries can identify internet users who are suffering pancreatic cancer even before diagnosis. The study suggests that early detection can increase the five-year survival rate of the disease from 3% to 5-7%. The Microsoft team were able to accurately distinguish between genuine, symptomatic searches and casual or anxiety-driven searches. Continuing to study search query evidence for other diseases, the team said that symptom alert data could be made available as part of a wider health service offered by companies such as Microsoft.