Invention:
This technology is a device which applies bioelectrical impedance (BIA) principles to the breast for an estimate of breast density in order to provide a new screening tool for detection of breast cancer. BIA technology is applied to the limited area of breast as opposed to whole body measurements commonly used to assess adiposity. The goal of the breast BIA device is to reduce breast cancer health disparities by enabling a "pre-screening" of breast density (without radiation) that would indicate whether standard mammography screening should be undertaken. Populations particularly targeted will be those in low resource settings as well as younger (under age of 40) Hispanic and African American women who have a higher prevalence of early onset breast cancer.
Background:
BIA is most commonly used for whole body assessment of excess adiposity, i.e. obesity. BIA is not currently used as a screening tool for breast cancer, though breast tissue is largely made up of fat and water. Mammography is the current clinical standard for breast cancer risk assessment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessed breast density works on the principles of fat and water and is being developed as an alternative to mammography for breast cancer risk assessment. MRI does not introduce radiation whereas mammography screening does introduce radiation. There is no radiation exposure with BIA either. In fact, BIA current is imperceptible and no side effects have been demonstrated; it is essentially non-invasive. BIA also has the advantage of being able to be small and highly portable and, therefore, amenable to field screenings which are important for rural areas and other underserved populations.
Applications:
- Breast density measurement tool
- Preventative breast cancer screening
- Preventative health
Advantages:
- New application of an existing technology
- Non-invasive method
- No radiation exposure
- Smaller, portable size
- Enhances accessibility to treat patients in rural and low resources settings
