Rio de Janeiro: A Brazilian scientist has developed a method to detect cancer before initial symptoms appear and without the need for a biopsy.

Priscila Kosaka, 35, a researcher working at the Microelectronic Institute of Madrid (Spain) for the past six years, has developed a less invasive method that uses a nano-sensor that is "10 million times more effective" than traditional tests on patient blood samples, Xinhua news agency reported citing Brazilian media on Tuesday.