N0.16m ‘smart bra’ detects breast cancer

A “smart bra” known as First Warning Systems could help women discover if they have breast cancer. Lifeline Biotechnologies, the medical technology  company licensing the bra, says it is  capable not only of identifying breast tissue abnormalities at their  earliest stages, but can also identify the general location of such  abnormalities in three dimensions to each of the four quadrants of each breast.

The  bra is based on a novel breast health screening device and method and could  become available in Europe in 2013 and then in the United States of America  in 2014, at US$ 1,000 (N160,000) for a pair.

Preliminary studies with the novel bra conducted in more  than 650 women, resulted in an average detection of at least 90  percent. Compared with the standard mammogram, the tests averaged 70  percent accuracy.

Experts say while the bra is not intended as an additional step in the breast cancer screening process, it could be an accurate identifier of early  breast abnormalities which generate heat via the presence of new blood vessels that nourish the area in question,” they noted.

The bra, which would be worn at a physician’s office, has 16  colour-coded sensors that are taped to the patient’s breast. The sensors would then measure temperatures at programmed times over a  predetermined testing period. The data is then stored in a recording  device worn by the patient.

Once the test period is over, the patient  then submits the device to their doctor. The sensors are removed; the  data is downloaded and then analysed. Once a report is returned to the  physician, the patient will be called in to discuss any clinical  recommendations.

Based on what is described as “disruptive technology” and tissue  health science, the new breast cancer detector could become a major  breakthrough in making testing easier for women, however, medical  experts say more studies are required before being actively used.

“Most investigational medicines and  medical devices, even those based on sound scientific and technical  principles are not always  adopted  into clinical practice. He adds  that  once new products are rigorously  tested in clinical trials, findings show they are less effective than current practices,” noted Dr. Ted Gansler, Director of Medical Content for the  American Cancer Society.

Gansler states that disregarding mammography would have  harmful, serious effects. “A woman who chooses any breast cancer  screening test based on thermography instead of mammography would be  making a serious mistake that could have fatal consequences.

Major  medical and public health organizations all recommend mammography and  none recommend thermography or any other tests based on temperature  measurements for early detection of breast cancer.”

Experts believe the bra could be used as part of an overall test without replacing  mammography. However they stress need for  more research and studies on long-term effects of the bra. “Mammograms and the  bra just screen for breast cancer. The only way to actually detect  breast cancer is through a biopsy where the specimen is found in the  lab” they counsel.