Wearable device may detect breast cancer at home.
Wearable device may detect breast cancer at home.
A Wearable Device for Breast Cancer Detection: An Innovative Approach to Screening at Home
Breast cancer is a global health issue, responsible for approximately 1 in 6 cancer-related deaths among women. Although the majority of breast cancer cases occur in women, about 0.5% to 1% of cases also affect men. Detecting breast cancer in its early stages greatly improves the chances of successful treatment, with a 5-year relative survival rate of up to 99%. However, if the cancer has metastasized, the 5-year survival rate plummets to 30%.
Currently, the most common method for screening breast cancer is through mammograms, which detect approximately 87% of cancers. However, mammograms require individuals to visit imaging centers, which can hinder accessibility for many, especially those with lower incomes. The associated costs and difficulties in arranging transport often lead to delays in screening. Therefore, efforts to improve accessibility and reduce costs in breast cancer screening are crucial for improving global health outcomes.
In a recent development, researchers have designed a wearable ultrasound breast patch that enables individuals to screen for breast cancer from the comfort of their homes. This novel technology, which can be attached to a bra, utilizes ultrasound technology similar to that employed in imaging centers. By sending sound waves into the breast tissue, the device produces high-quality images that can identify cysts potentially requiring further investigation by breast cancer specialists.
The wearable breast cancer detection device consists of a flexible, 3D-printed patch with honeycomb-like openings. These features make it wearable and enable it to make direct contact with the skin, allowing the scanner to scan breast tissue effectively. Furthermore, the scanner can be positioned in six different locations, capturing images of the entire breast from various angles. The resulting images have displayed similar resolutions to traditional ultrasounds, with a depth of approximately 80mm.
Initial tests using the scanner on a 71-year-old woman with a history of breast cysts were successful in detecting cysts as small as 0.3 centimeters in diameter, comparable in size to early-stage tumors. This breakthrough brings hope that the wearable ultrasound breast patch can be an effective tool to enable people to detect breast tumors early, especially for those at high risk of developing breast cancer in between routine mammograms.
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Apart from its convenience and accuracy, the wearable ultrasound breast patch offers improved accessibility for breast cancer screening. Its low cost ensures affordability, making it accessible to healthcare facilities and organizations with limited funds. Furthermore, its user-friendly design makes it suitable for use in remote areas where access to medical centers is challenging. The simplicity of the device also makes it helpful in locations where medical workers may have limited technical knowledge.
However, it is essential to recognize that while the device aids in detecting potential trouble spots, the data it generates still requires review by experts in order to recommend appropriate actions. Therefore, the expertise of breast cancer specialists remains crucial in providing accurate assessments and guidance based on the information collected by the device.
As for the availability of the wearable breast cancer device, it may take approximately 4-5 years for it to become readily accessible for public use. The process involves acquiring FDA approval, mass production, and ensuring the compatibility of the device with various platforms. The researchers are currently seeking investors and partners to support these efforts and further develop the technology. Alongside this, they are also working towards developing a more compact image processor, aiming to reduce the device’s current dependency on a bulky computer interface.
One of the study’s limitations is that the wearable breast cancer device is still in the early developmental stage and lacks scientific data to prove its utility. Compared to standard breast ultrasound images, the quality of the images generated by the device is relatively poor. Additionally, while ultrasound is a valuable tool for screening breast cancers, it cannot wholly replace mammograms and other preventive care provided by breast cancer experts. Different technologies excel at detecting different types of breast changes, such as calcifications, which are detected primarily through mammography.
To ensure the effectiveness of the device, thorough testing is required to evaluate the ability of the wearable breast cancer scanner to identify true positive cases and minimize false-positive results. It is also crucial to consider the variability of the human breast, which differs between individuals and may change over time. Proper medical supervision and interpretation of the data collected by the device are essential for maintaining quality metrics and ensuring accurate results.
Overall, the wearable breast cancer detection device shows promise as a supplement to mammography and dedicated breast ultrasounds for breast cancer screening. If successfully demonstrated to be on par with these existing methods, it could significantly contribute to women’s healthcare. However, rigorous clinical trials and collaboration with organizations such as the American College of Radiology will be necessary to validate its clinical efficacy. Nonetheless, this innovation has the potential to revolutionize breast cancer screening and improve global health outcomes by promoting early detection and accessibility.
