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Ultrasound-Equipped Bra Monitors for Breast Cancer

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Ultrasound-Equipped Bra Monitors for Breast Cancer

Author: Conn Hastings, PhD

Affiliations: www. medgadget.com

Date published: 08/22/2023

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Researchers at MIT have developed a wearable ultrasound system that is intended to allow women at high risk of breast cancer to perform an ultrasound scan on themselves at home, and may also let patients with early-stage malignancy or suspicious lesions to monitor how they are progressing. The technology can help patients to avoid having to attend a clinic, and may also help them to identify tumors that arise between routine breast checks at a clinic.

The system consists of a piezoelectric ultrasound scanning module that fits into a rig that can be affixed to a bra. The rig includes openings into which the ultrasound module can be affixed, with six different orientations of scanning available, and ensures that the entire breast can be scanned.

Early detection is crucial in cancer. For breast cancer, there is a nearly 100% survival rate for tumors that are found in their very early stages. However, for later stage tumors, the survival rate plummets to 25%. This statistic is behind the routine breast scanning that many women undergo. However, what happens if a tumor arises between routine scans? These are known as interval cancers, and account for approximately 30% of all breast cancers, and they can be more aggressive than tumors discovered during routine scanning.

Moreover, some patients are highly predisposed to breast cancer, with a significant level of personal risk of developing a tumor, typically because of inherited genetic mutations. Such patients often undergo a preemptive mastectomy to reduce their risk, but more expansive breast monitoring technologies may provide an alternative, and at least delay the need for a mastectomy.

"We changed the form factor of the ultrasound technology so that it can be used in your home. It's portable and easy to use, and provides real-time, user-friendly monitoring of breast tissue," says Canan Dagdeviren, a researcher involved in the study. "My goal is to target the people who are most likely to develop interval cancer. With more frequent screening, our goal to increase the survival rate to up to 98 percent."

The piezoelectric ultrasound patch sits within a rig that allows the user to scan in several key locations, covering the whole breast. In tests so far, the technology could distinguish breast cysts at 0.3 centimeters in diameter, which is comparable to early-stage breast tumors.

See a video from MIT about the technology:

Study in journal Science Advances: Conformable ultrasound breast patch for deep tissue scanning and imaging

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Ultrasound-Equipped Bra Monitors for Breast Cancer |

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Researchers at MIT have developed a wearable ultrasound system that is intended to allow women at high risk of breast cancer to perform an ultrasound scan

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Conformable Ultrasound Breast Patch

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Conformable Ultrasound Breast Patch (cUSBr-Patch). (n.d.). Www.youtube.com. Retrieved February 19, 2024, from https://youtu.be/Tn-cgYAnAGs

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1. Easy to wear/use, conformable, and fits a variety of bra sizes

2. Early detection, especially for those who are at high risk for breast cancer

3. A less invasive option for those who are genetically predisposed to breast cancer, as opposed to a mastectomy.

4. Portable--Can be used at home

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This latest innovation in early breast cancer detection could change a lot of lives for the better. I think that the benefit outweighs the disadvantages. Many women are at high risk for developing breast cancer and oftentimes develop a tumor in between clinic visits. Cancer can spread so rapidly that by the time the patient is diagnosed, they are in the later stages. Being able to regularly screen themselves, can greatly help these patients. My only concern is the cost to the patient. Perhaps a grant program could be developed to help patients at high risk for breast cancer afford this ultrasound system.

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1. Alice (Achiever)- I feel that Alice would be beneficial to the team because she is a hard worker with lots of stamina. I am not an achiever, so I feel that she could bring balance to the team.

2. Andrew (Activator)- Andrew would be a benefit to our team because he can make things happen. I'm not an influencer, so I feel that this would be a great addition to our team.

3. Matthew (Maximizer)- Matthew would be beneficial because he can take our strong ideas and make the most out of them.

4. Randall (Responsibility)- I think that Randall would be a great addition to our team because he is loyal and takes responsibility for his actions. I think that he would thrive as part of a team.

5. Faith (Futuristic)-Faith would be an asset to this team, as we have no other strategic thinkers. She can help us look ahead rather than being stuck on the past.

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1. Expensive for patients and insurance will most likely not cover for screening purposes.

2. May miss some small tumors or tumors that are better detected by mammogram

3. Lack of accuracy in patients with obesity or dense breast tissue

4. Possibility for user error

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Scientists at MIT have developed an ultrasound scanner that can attach to a bra and detect breast cancer in the early stages in high-risk women. This scanner can be used at home in between routine screening visits at the clinic.

"The system consists of a piezoelectric ultrasound scanning module that fits into a rig that can be affixed to a bra. The rig includes openings into which the ultrasound module can be affixed, with six different orientations of scanning available, and ensures that the entire breast can be scanned" (Hastings, 2023).

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1. EMPATHY: This will help my team because I can see the world through others' eyes and work together with them. I can also help other team members be more aware of each other.

2. RESTORATIVE: This will help my team because I can assist with problems that may arise.

3. HARMONY: I can help my team by finding "common ground" when there are disagreements.

4. CONSISTENCY: I do well with establishing a routine, which can be helpful while working in a team.

5. INTELLECTION: By thinking things over, I can solve problems that the team is trying to resolve.

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Conformable Ultrasound Breast Patch (cUSBr-Patch). (n.d.). Www.youtube.com. Retrieved February 19, 2024, from https://youtu.be/Tn-cgYAnAGs

Du, W., Zhang, L., Suh, E., Lin, D., Marcus, C., Ozkan, L., Ahuja, A., Fernandez, S., Shuvo, I. I., Sadat, D., Liu, W., Li, F., Chandrakasan, A. P., Ozmen, T., & Dagdeviren, C. (2023). Conformable ultrasound breast patch for deep tissue scanning and imaging. Science Advances, 9(30), eadh5325. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adh5325

Hastings, C. (2023, August 22). Ultrasound-Equipped Bra Monitors for Breast Cancer |. Medgadget. https://www.medgadget.com/2023/08/ultrasound-equipped-bra-monitors-for-breast-cancer.html