By SOLA OGUNDIPE
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.
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