The N16m ‘smart bra’ that 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.

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.