SmartBra, the first smart bra to screen for breast cancer

smart health connected textiles, we know more and more fun. But the one offered today by students is particularly aimed at women. It is indeed a bra.

In France, a program of general breast cancer screening was launched in 2004. Objective: to detect this type of cancer as soon as possible in order to reduce the number of associated deaths. For now, the screening goes through a mammography, a relatively painful examination. But things could soon change thanks to the innovation presented by students from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL – Switzerland).

They imagined a SmartBra, a smart bra whose "The goal is to prevent and detect cancers at their earliest stages, via a frequent, non-invasive and painless monitoring method ", explains Hugo Vuillet, a student of the team, in a EPFL press release. The idea: instead of resorting to X-rays privileged by mammography, the bra counts on a system ofultrasound.

An ultrasonic system

The ultrasound of this smart bra are generated using sensors piezoelectric, activated by a simple pressure. And the system replaces the gel usually useful to ultrasounds through an interface plastic containing the ultrasonic transmitters.

This smart bra – which is scheduled to be marketed in 2023 – will first be for women who have already been diagnosed. To allow them to follow, without constraint, the evolution of the disease on a daily basis. It will then be offered to women with heritage genetic considered at risk. Because the students imagine that their system will also allow "Prevent the development of masses cancer thanks to the controlled distribution of low doses of ultrasound to restore theapoptosis. " Finally, the bra will become accessible to all women. When it detects an abnormal mass, it will recommend the diagnostic from a specialist.

These smart bras might just be the first in a series of smart underwear that would help detect early different types of cancer.

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