The dawn of wearable technology has given rise to an array of innovative health-monitoring devices that have revolutionized the healthcare industry. One such groundbreaking invention is the 'Wearable Ultrasound Scanner', a revolutionary device that is transforming the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer.
This wearable ultrasound scanner, pioneered by a team of researchers at MIT led by Associate Professor Canan Dagdeviren, is a device that can be seamlessly incorporated into a bra. It allows for constant, real-time monitoring of breast tissue, thus significantly increasing the chance of detecting cancerous tumors in their earliest stages.
The device, which uses a novel piezoelectric material for scanning, features a flexible, 3D-printed patch with a honeycomb-like structure that can be attached to a bra. The ultrasound scanner itself fits inside a small tracker that can be moved to six different positions, enabling the entire breast to be imaged. The device can also be rotated to capture images from various angles, ensuring comprehensive and efficient scanning. The best part? It requires no special expertise to operate.
The implications of this invention are monumental, especially considering that the survival rate for breast cancer is almost 100 percent when detected early. When tumors are discovered in later stages, however, the survival rate drastically reduces to around 25 percent. By enabling more frequent screening, especially for high-risk individuals, this wearable ultrasound scanner aims to drastically increase the survival rate.
The device, which was six years in the making, has already received a patent in the United States and has successfully undergone human trials. Notably, the wearable ultrasound scanner was successful in detecting breast cysts in a 71-year-old woman who had previously encountered breast health issues.
The images acquired from the device were found to be comparable in quality to traditional ultrasound imaging, detecting cysts as small as 0.3 centimeters. Remarkably, the scanner can image up to eight centimeters into breast tissue.
This remarkable invention is driven by Turkish scientist Canan Dagdeviren's personal journey, having lost her aunt to late-stage breast cancer. “My goal is to target the people who are most likely to develop interval cancer,” says Dagdeviren. Interval cancers are those that develop between regular mammograms, making up 20 to 30 per cent of all breast cancer cases. These cancers tend to be more aggressive, but with more frequent screening, the survival rate can be elevated significantly.
The invention of the wearable ultrasound scanner marks a significant stride in the battle against breast cancer, and pays a heartfelt tribute to the memory of Dagdeviren's aunt, Fatma Caliskanoglu. 'I dedicate this device to all women; you are not alone', Dagdeviren poignantly states. This technology holds great promise for the future, and may very well be the beacon of hope for millions of high-risk women around the world.