British researchers are developing a pioneering wearable device, dubbed a smart bra, designed to facilitate earlier detection of breast cancer, particularly among high-risk women. This innovative technology aims to identify tumors as small as 5mm, addressing a critical gap where growths might be missed between standard mammogram screenings. Routine breast screening every three years for women over 50—or earlier for those with elevated risk—typically detects tumors before they become difficult to treat, but some demographics face significantly higher risks.

Women with intellectual disabilities, who experience limitations in cognitive function and skills, are disproportionately affected, facing a higher likelihood of later-stage diagnoses or mortality from breast cancer. This disparity is linked to lower screening attendance due to lack of awareness, anxiety, embarrassment, and insufficient support during appointments. The 'smart bra' offers a potential solution by providing continuous, real-time monitoring for tumor growth.

Developed by teams at Nottingham Trent University and the University of Glasgow, the device is designed to alert doctors to potential risks, enabling timely follow-ups like MRI scans. This proactive approach could lead to earlier diagnoses, improving survival rates significantly. Professor Yang Wei, an expert in wearable technology at Nottingham Trent, emphasized its life-saving potential, serving as a vital complement to existing screening methods.

The device incorporates 16 electrodes placed strategically over the nipple area. These electrodes employ a specialized electrical scanning technique to detect subtle variations in tissue. Tumors, being denser and containing less water than healthy tissue, are effectively differentiated by the smart bra. This technology can reduce the need for multiple diagnostic checks, including mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs, improving efficiency in health services.

Dr. Dani Skirrow, research information manager at Cancer Research UK, highlighted the organization’s dedication to ensuring equitable access to innovations in breast cancer survival. The 'smart bra' is seen as a step toward making screening more accessible, benefiting a broader demographic. The device stores data internally and transmits it to a smartphone application, while also alerting the wearer if an abnormality is detected, even without phone connectivity. Long-term goals include integrating this data with NHS patient records for comprehensive monitoring.

In terms of usability, the smart textile technology is compact enough to slip into existing bras discreetly or incorporated into newly designed wearables. Trials are set to begin before the end of the year, with scientists hopeful for a swift NHS rollout, particularly for women with intellectual disabilities.

The urgency of this innovation is underscored by breast cancer statistics: roughly one in seven women in the UK—around 56,000 annually—will be diagnosed during their lifetime, making it the most common cancer in the country. In the US, approximately 300,000 new cases are reported yearly. While about 85 percent of women survive five years post-diagnosis, early detection remains crucial for improving outcomes.