The Smart Bra That Could Detect Breast Cancer
Scientists are developing a bra that could detect early signs of breast cancer [Photo: Rex Features]
Bras. They stop your boobs getting saggy and give you amazing gravity-defying cleavage, but scientists are now working on creating another purpose to your over the shoulder boulder holder: detecting breast cancer.
In a move that sees fashion meet science, researchers at the National University of Columbia’s School of Electric Engineering have created a prototype for a bra that could detect early signs of the disease, which affects nearly one in eight British women.
The bra design, which is currently being tested, is said to be fitted with infra-red sensors that record breast temperatures. If any abnormalities are detected, the bra sends a warning signal to let you know, so that you can get your breasts checked properly by a doctor.
Maria Camila Cortes, an electrical engineering student who is working on the project explained to Fusion how the clever garment works: “When you have cells in your mammary glands that are anomalous, the body needs to send more blood to that specific part of the body, and the temperature of this organ increases.”
The new smart bra could be a health game-changer [Photo: Rex Features]
Though the team working on the project hopes the bra will eventually be rolled out worldwide, they are keen to stress that women should still do regular checks on their breasts.
“We don’t want to replace a doctor’s job,” added Maria Jaramillo, who is a researcher for the project. “The idea is to develop a technique that will help with [early] detection.”
Believe it or not this isn’t the world’s first cancer-detecting bra. Way back in 1997 researchers tried to create a bra that measured the temperature of a woman’s breasts using heat sensors. And just last year, a California-based company started developing ‘iTBra’ again to monitor heat changes, which sends results straight to your smartphone.
Both ‘smart’ bras are still some way from being mass-produced, but if they ever do hit shelves it could be a total health game-changer. Until then though, the NHS recommends women continue to be breast aware and check your boobs regularly for any irregularities or changes. With 58,000 being diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK every year, it pays to show your boobs some self-check love.
What do you think about the cancer-detecting bra? Let us know @YahooStyleUK
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