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A New Approach to Cancer Detection

The new device is built on the principle of Photoacoustic Spectral Response (PASR) technology, which combines optical and acoustic signals to detect abnormal tissue changes. By employing this method, the device can identify cancer at an early stage, potentially saving countless lives. A key feature of this technology is its affordability—once the device enters commercial production, it will reduce the cost of breast cancer screening to about one-tenth of current methods, making it significantly cheaper than traditional diagnostics like MRI and CT scans. This will make early cancer detection accessible to many more people, especially those in underserved areas.

Solving Healthcare Access Problems

One of the largest barriers to effective healthcare in India is the high cost of medical equipment, much of which is imported and expensive. IIT Indore's Director, Suhas Joshi, emphasized that most diagnostic tools are inaccessible to a large portion of India's population due to their price. This new, cost-effective, and indigenous cancer screening device could help bridge this gap. Joshi highlighted that early diagnosis, especially in rural areas where healthcare infrastructure is limited, can make a life-saving difference. By reducing the costs and reliance on expensive imported technologies, the device stands to improve healthcare equity and outcomes across India.

How the Device Works

Professor Vasudevan elaborated on the innovative technology at the heart of this device. It uses a compact pulsed laser diode (PLD) to generate light, which interacts with breast tissue. By analyzing the tissue’s response to this light, the device can differentiate between normal, benign, and malignant tissues. This ability to distinguish between cancerous and non-cancerous tissue types, such as fibrocystic changes, is critical for effective breast cancer screening. The tool offers a simpler, more affordable way to detect malignant tumors without needing more invasive or expensive procedures.

The Impact of the Device

The potential impact of this affordable screening device is immense, especially in India's rural and underserved areas, where access to high-tech medical facilities is limited or non-existent. With early detection being key to effective cancer treatment, this device could save countless lives by enabling timely diagnosis. By catching cancer at an early stage, women who otherwise may not have had access to proper screening can now receive the care they need, improving health outcomes and reducing the strain on more advanced healthcare services.

About IIT Indore

Established in 2009, IIT Indore is one of the newer members of the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology. Known for its interdisciplinary research and collaboration with international institutions, IIT Indore has carved a niche in addressing real-world challenges through innovation. It was the first IIT to offer a B.Tech program in Humanities and Social Sciences, reflecting its commitment to diverse education and research initiatives. The institute’s motto, “Knowledge is Power,” aptly represents its efforts in creating solutions like the breast cancer detection device that can have a transformative impact on society.

Conclusion

IIT Indore’s affordable breast cancer detection device is a monumental step forward in addressing healthcare inequities in India. Through the use of advanced Photoacoustic Spectral Response (PASR) technology, this compact and cost-effective tool has the potential to revolutionize cancer screening, particularly for women in rural and remote areas. By offering early detection at a fraction of the cost of current methods, this device will make life-saving diagnostics more accessible to those who need them most, potentially transforming the landscape of cancer care in India.