Early Detection of Breast Cancer

A ‘smart textile’ product with sensor features has been developed at Izmir University of Economics (IUE) to contribute to the early detection of breast cancer, which is very common in women. An application has been filed with the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office for this special product, which can be used as a T-shirt or undershirt and is capable of instantly measuring changes in breast tissue through the electromagnetic waves it generates.

This product, scientifically referred to as the ‘Textile Patch Antenna’, can be comfortably used in daily life and is capable of sending its measurements as data to a remote device. This data can be continuously reported with the aid of a computer and recorded by a doctor or another person. By regularly analyzing the changes occurring in the tissue, a potential disease can be prevented at an early stage.

WASHABLE and LOW-COST

The smart textile product, completed after a 6-month study by the Head of the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Izmir University of Economics, Prof. Dr. Diaa Gadelmavla, along with Biomedical Engineering students Mehmet Ali Dalgıç and Israa M. F Abdullah Alhammoodi, stands out due to its washable feature, low cost, sustainability, and lightness.

“MANY ALTERNATIVES EXIST”

Sharing detailed information regarding the special design for which they are awaiting a patent, Prof. Dr. Gadelmavla said, “The product, of which we have also made a prototype, can be applied as an undershirt, T-shirt, or a long-sleeved garment used in daily life. Furthermore, it can be attached to an existing garment. In addition, companies can design and offer new clothing for sale by adapting the product we prepared to their own designs. The product we prepared can be positioned in the right and left corners of garments, like a brand's logo. It is sufficient for this textile material to be located right in front of the chest area. Many such alternatives are available. In this respect, I can say that we have created an innovative and distinctive project.” 

“SHOULD NOT BE CONFUSED WITH MAMMOGRAPHY”

Emphasizing that the product they developed should not be confused with a mammography device, Prof. Dr. Diaa Gadelmavla said, “Mammography is an imaging device. It is, of course, the most effective way to diagnose breast cancer. Our product does not have an imaging feature. We developed a product that acts as an antenna and can detect tissue changes through electromagnetic waves. We also do not cause radiation exposure. Think of the pulse sensor on smartwatches. It sends a specific signal to detect small changes in the skin, and even the slightest difference in this signal is reflected in the measurements. The product we developed works in a similar way. It detects changes occurring in the breast tissue via electromagnetic waves and reports potential risks. I believe it is an important study for the early prevention of a serious disease.”

“IT WAS A GREAT EXPERIENCE”

IUE students Mehmet Ali Dalgıç and Israa M. F Abdullah Alhammoodi expressed their happiness at having contributed to such an important study. They said, “This process was a wonderful experience for us. We worked meticulously on the project. In the end, a great result emerged. We want to develop ourselves in the field we are studying and use the knowledge we gained at the university in our professional lives. At this point, we believe that the projects we complete during our student years will be a strong foundation for our career goals. We also believe that the textile product we prepared is an applicable and promising work.”