2023-08-14 13:32:15
Title: Breakthrough Device Allows Women to Detect Breast Cancer at Home
By Ulrike Hanninger – 08/14/2023, 1:32 p.m
Breast cancer is a leading cause of death among women worldwide. Early detection plays a crucial role in increasing chances of recovery. In a significant development, a team of researchers led by physicist and assistant professor Canan Dagdeviren at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has made a breakthrough that could revolutionize breast cancer screening.
According to a report from MIT News, the team has developed a wearable device that utilizes ultrasound technology to scan the breast and detect breast cancer at an early stage. The device is designed to identify eight specific symptoms associated with the disease. Notably, this breakthrough allows women to perform the check-up at home, providing convenience and autonomy.
The need for such a device arises from the insufficiency of the existing breast cancer screening program in Germany. The current system relies on age-specific screening entitlements, which may not detect breast cancer early enough in all cases. The German Cancer Society (DKG) classifies the entitlements as follows:
– Women aged 30-49 are entitled to an annual palpation of the breast and lymph nodes, focusing on armpits, although swollen lymph nodes are rarely a symptom of cancer.
– Women aged 50-69 are entitled to an additional mammogram every two years.
However, individuals belonging to high-risk groups, such as those with a hereditary predisposition, receive more intensive medical care. These women can have their breasts examined by a doctor every six months starting at age 25, including an ultrasound scan and an MRI, which provides more accurate results than a mammogram.
The portable ultrasound device developed by Dagdeviren’s team offers a new approach to breast cancer screening. By inserting a honeycomb grid into a specially designed bra and using a small ultrasound device that fits into each honeycomb, women can scan their breasts comprehensively and easily from all sides. This technology allows for the integration of breast cancer examinations into everyday life.
However, it’s important to note that the wearable device is still in development. MIT researchers are currently working on creating an artificial intelligence (AI) system that will analyze the images produced during a private breast scan. Once this AI system is fully developed, women will be able to make their own diagnoses and differentiate between harmless cysts and tumors.
It is crucial to understand that this article provides general information and does not serve as a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individuals are advised to consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance regarding their health concerns.
In conclusion, the breakthrough development of a portable ultrasound device for breast cancer screening offers hope for improved early detection and increased chances of recovery. With the ability to perform the check-up at home, women may have greater control over their own health and well-being.]
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