IIT Indore Launches Affordable Device for Early Breast Cancer Detection

October 10, 2024

IIT Indore has introduced a new device for the early detection of breast cancer, specifically designed to help women in rural and remote areas. This device, created by Prof. Srivathsan Vasudevan, is an important step in making cancer screening more affordable and accessible.

A New Approach to Cancer Detection

The device uses Photoacoustic Spectral Response (PASR) technology, which combines light and sound to detect abnormal changes in tissue. This helps identify cancer at an early stage. What makes this device special is its low cost. Once it is commercially produced, it will cost about one-tenth of traditional methods like MRI and CT scans, making it much more affordable for people in poor and underserved areas.

Solving Healthcare Access Problems

IIT Indore has pointed out that the high price of existing cancer detection tools is a big barrier, especially since many are imported and expensive. This new cost-effective device, made in India, could change that by offering a cheaper, reliable option for early cancer detection, helping to close the gap in healthcare for rural communities.

How the Device Works

Prof. Vasudevan explained how the device can tell the difference between cancerous and non-cancerous tissues. It uses a small laser to shine light on breast tissue, and by studying how the tissue responds, it can show whether it is normal, benign (non-cancerous), or malignant (cancerous). This technology is good at spotting different types of breast tissue, like malignant tumors or fibrocystic changes.

The Impact of the Device

This device could greatly improve early cancer detection in India’s rural areas, where access to high-tech medical facilities is limited. By catching cancer early, it could save lives and improve health outcomes for women who may not otherwise have access to timely screenings.

About IIT Indore

IIT Indore, established in 2009, is one of the newer Indian Institutes of Technology. It was the first IIT to offer a B.Tech program in Humanities and Social Sciences and is known for its interdisciplinary research and partnerships with international universities. Its motto is “Knowledge is Power.”

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