New bras could boost early breast cancer detection

Researches in Colombia have created a bra that can detect early stages of breast cancer.

The bra is able to detect temperature changes in the breast. It contains infrared censors, delivering a warning signal to the wearer. This is done by using different coloured lights.

A green light means there are no issues, a yellow light means the wearer might need to get tested again, and a red light means the wearer urgently needs to visit the doctor for a check up.

Maria Camila Cortes, electrical engineering student at Colombia’s National University, says:

“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.

“We don’t want to replace a doctor’s job. The idea is to develop a technique that will help with (early) detection.”

In the UK, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. One in eight women are diagnosed with the disease.

The bra is still being tested at Columbia University’s lab.