Making Strides to a Healthier Future: Empowering Women Through Early Breast Cancer Detection by Krystal Metcalf

Source Details

kwhitaker5_1 — 2024-02-19 21:05:13 UTC

Ultrasound-Equipped Bra Monitors for Breast Cancer

Author: Conn Hastings, PhD

Date published: 08/22/2023

Summary of Current Innovation

kwhitaker5_1 — 2024-02-19 21:19:55 UTC

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).

Demonstration Video

kwhitaker5_1 — 2024-02-19 21:26:57 UTC

Conformable Ultrasound Breast Patch

kwhitaker5_1 — 2024-02-19 21:28:57 UTC

PROS

kwhitaker5_1 — 2024-02-19 21:47:25 UTC

Easy to wear/use, conformable, and fits a variety of bra sizes
Early detection, especially for those who are at high risk for breast cancer
A less invasive option for those who are genetically predisposed to breast cancer, as opposed to a mastectomy.
Portable--Can be used at home

CONS

kwhitaker5_1 — 2024-02-19 21:58:10 UTC

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

May miss some small tumors or tumors that are better detected by mammogram
Lack of accuracy in patients with obesity or dense breast tissue
Possibility for user error

OPINION and RATIONALE

kwhitaker5_1 — 2024-02-19 22:03:48 UTC

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.

Using Strengths--My Top 5 Strengths

kwhitaker5_1 — 2024-02-19 22:18:28 UTC

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.
RESTORATIVE: This will help my team because I can assist with problems that may arise.
HARMONY: I can help my team by finding "common ground" when there are disagreements.
CONSISTENCY: I do well with establishing a routine, which can be helpful while working in a team.
INTELLECTION: By thinking things over, I can solve problems that the team is trying to resolve.

TEAMS

kwhitaker5_1 — 2024-02-19 22:31:43 UTC

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

References

kwhitaker5_1 — 2024-02-20 15:23:58 UTC

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