Professor Elias Siores of the University of Bolton in the UK has raised the bar for inventive ways of discovering early signs of cancer. The “smart bra” (http://abcnews.go.com/Health/OnCallPlus/Story?id=3722085&page=1) is supposed to use microwave antennae to detect heightened temperature in the breasts, which is a signal that a tumor is present. Although his prototype isn’t going to be out for at least another year I’m looking forward to seeing the effectiveness of such a creative solution.
The article I read on this bra, “A Smart Bra to Find Breast Cancer” left me with some unanswered questions. Would you wear the bra regularly? Would it need batteries? How would it warn the wearer? How heavy would it be? Would there be sensors everywhere in the cup or only in specific places? Could this idea be expanded for use in briefs for men? How much is it? I decided that I was unsatisfied with all of the missing pieces so I did a bit more investigating.
At the Discovery Channel website (http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2007/10/05/smartbra_tec_02.html?category=technology&guid=20071005093030) I was able to find some, although not all, of the answers. In the first sentence my question regarding the briefs was answered. They are working on them now and hope to be able to have cancer-finding briefs out to accompany the bra. The use of microwave radiometry will measure the rise in temperature. Cancerous tumors generally have higher temperatures than the surrounding tissue because of inflammation and blood flow changes. The antennae would be laced into the side of the bra and it would be worn for just a few minutes at a time while plugged in to a power supply. If the machine detected any irregularities it would signal the wearer through auditory and visual means. Although there are some concerns as to the effectiveness of this bra I think that it is a step in the right direction. It is important that we have creative preventative measures for discovering breast cancer at its earliest stages.
Breast cancer is a very real concern for women in America. In 1960 1 in 20 women were diagnosed with breast cancer. As of 2006 that number increased to 1 in 8 (http://www.breastcancer.org/about_us/press_room/press_kit/cancer_facts.jsp?gclid=CPG21amHjY8CFRctagodLka-eg#statistics). My grandmother’s twin sister had breast cancer as well as one of my best friends mother. In 2006 it was expected that almost 41,000 women would die from breast cancer in the US alone. This staggering number is unacceptable and any action taken towards reducing this number is important, even if it something as simple as a bra. It’s a serious reality and the quicker that we are able to find cancerous cells the better chances women have for a successful recovery and a full and happy life.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Technological advancements are proving to expand the possibilities of science- especially medicine. The "smart bra" sounds like a viable concept, but I don't know if it's sophistication can totally replace yearly mammograms. Have there been any discussions about any harmful effects of the "smart bra?" I mean is it possible that having antenna and such so close to the skin be harmful to a woman's health? I share in your interest about the future of this concept--- if it does work then it will certainly go on record as being an extremely valuable tool in women's health.
So far there are no reports of harmful side effects, especially concerning the use of antenna. I would assume that the main complaint would simply be one of comfort. It is definitely not your average wonderbra, and its probably going to be more heavy duty than simple unwire and padding.
Post a Comment