How wearable tech can help women fight breast cancer

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Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. For 33-year old Pragya Banthia, a London-based Product Operations Manager, the idea of being able to screen for breast cancer at home in a comfortable setting is appealing. “Cancer is a very sensitive topic for me given my family history.

My mother battled ovarian cancer for years and passed away at the age of 49. My aunt, fortunately, survived breast cancer due to early detection and treatment. These experiences have deeply affected me and even the thought of cancer screenings can be overwhelming," says Banthia.

Although she is concerned about the accuracy of wearable devices without a specialist overseeing the process, she believes they could be a game-changer for many women. “It is important to continue raising awareness about early detection and to support advancements in technology that can make the process easier and more accessible for everyone," she says. According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GCO) and the International Association of Cancer Registries (IACR), breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide and is the leading cancer among women.

Early detection of abnormal breast tissue changes is crucial for improving survival rates and minimizing the need for aggressive treatments. Wearable technology is becoming increasingly important in this effort, offering devices that monitor breast tissue changes, encourage self-screening, track treatment side effects, and support rehabilitation by monitoring physical activity, all of which can lead to earlier interventions and better patient outcomes. MIT researchers have developed a wearable ultrasound device that helps detect tumours in their early stages.