MIT scientist develops ultrasound bra for early breast cancer detection

Canan Dağdeviren, PhD, an assistant professor at MIT, was inspired to develop a wearable, flexible ultrasound patch for breast cancer screening after her aunt's diagnosis with an aggressive form of the disease. 

In 2015, Dağdeviren sketched the idea for an electronic bra with an embedded device to scan breasts more frequently utilizing ultrasound, all with the aim of catching cancers earlier. Six year later, she and her research group at the MIT Media Lab successfully created the device—a small pad that conforms to the breast's shape, capturing images in real-time. 

Dağdeviren's ultrasound patch provides a more comfortable and frequent alternative to mammograms. Connected to an ultrasound machine for power, it can then send clear images to any smart device through an app. In its coverage, Wired said in a study published in July 2023, the patch demonstrated the ability to detect cysts as small as 0.3 centimeters. 

Wired said Dağdeviren envisions the technology extending beyond breast cancer, with applications for monitoring other parts of the body, and plans to start her own company to license it to healthcare systems upon FDA approval. She aims to reach underserved populations, empowering individuals to take control of their health in a way that's nearly as easy as checking the weather report.

For the full story, read the feature in Wired at the link below.