Breakthrough! IIT Kanpur Develops Sensor-Fitted Bra For Breast Cancer Detection
Kanpur: In a groundbreaking development, IIT Kanpur has designed a unique bra equipped with sensors that can detect breast cancer at an early stage. This innovation aims to address one of the leading causes of death among women worldwide, breast cancer, which often goes undiagnosed until it reaches an advanced stage, making treatment difficult and survival rates low.
Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent and deadly diseases among women globally. Many notable figures, including Bollywood celebrities, have battled this illness. A significant challenge in combating breast cancer is its late detection. By the time most women discover they have breast cancer, it is often in its final stages, making effective treatment challenging and reducing the chances of survival.
The Innovation
To combat this issue, IIT Kanpur, under the guidance of the Government of India's Department of Biotechnology, has developed a sensor-equipped bra. This project, in collaboration with KGMU, aims to create medical devices that meet contemporary healthcare needs effectively. The bra, designed by research scholar Shreya Nair under the supervision of Professor Amitabh Bandyopadhyay, can detect early signs of breast cancer. Women need to wear this bra for just one minute each day, and it connects to their smartphones.
How It Works
Similar to how a smartwatch monitors various health parameters, this sensor-equipped bra detects abnormalities in the breast tissue. When worn, the bra can indicate potential breast cancer symptoms, prompting women to seek timely medical advice. This rechargeable device syncs with a mobile app, providing daily data on breast health. If cancerous signs are detected, the device will advise users to consult a doctor for further examination.
The Inspiration
Shreya Nair, a resident of Mumbai, was inspired to create this device after witnessing several family members suffer from breast cancer. Realizing the critical need for early detection, she embarked on this project to ensure women could identify the disease in its nascent stages and receive timely treatment, thereby increasing their chances of survival.
Availability and Cost
The prototype of this innovative bra has been completed, and clinical trials are set to begin. Once the trials are successful, the device is expected to be available on the market within a year and a half. To ensure affordability, the price of the bra is planned to be around ₹5000. This cost-effective approach aims to make the device accessible to a broad audience, as currently, there are no similar devices available worldwide.
The sensor-equipped bra developed by IIT Kanpur represents a significant advancement in early breast cancer detection. By providing an affordable and practical solution, this innovation has the potential to save countless lives by enabling women to detect breast cancer early and seek timely treatment. This device not only highlights the importance of technological innovation in healthcare but also underscores the critical need for early detection in combating deadly diseases like breast cancer.
