PROBLEM DESCRIPTION 
 
Breast cancer affects millions of people each year, with late detection significantly lowering survival rates. A key issue arises with interval cancers, which develop between routine screenings and are often more aggressive. Current diagnostic tools like MRIs and mammograms have limitations, including inaccessibility, radiation exposure, discomfort, high costs, inter-observer variabilities in image interpretation, and low sensitivity in detecting cancer in dense breast tissue. In fact in dense breasts a mammogram will miss cancer almost half the time and yet they're 4-6 times at greater risk of getting breast cancer. Studies have also shown that increased exposure to radiation from frequent mammography screenings may increase breast cancer risks, meaning some women may end up getting breast cancer through regular screening for it. When breast cancer is diagnosed in the earliest stages, the survival rate is nearly 100%. However, for tumors detected in later stages, that rate drops to around 25%. In 2022, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 685,000 deaths were reported by WHO. This creates a critical need for more accessible, safer, and more effective early detection methods and this problem should be solved now because the number of incidence and mortality is projected to increase significantly especially in the low and middle income countries.
 
SOLUTION CONCEPT 

Mammary Protect is an innovative medical device that addresses the current limitations by combining two powerful technologies—thermography and ultrasound—into a single, portable device. It offers a noninvasive, radiation-free alternative to traditional methods like mammograms and MRIs. This solution is designed for early detection of abnormalities in breast tissue, including interval cancers, without the need for hospital visits. By leveraging predictive analytics, the device provides more accurate results, especially for high-risk individuals, including those with dense breast tissue or a history of cancer. 
Key features include: 
Thermogram: Detects abnormal heat patterns that may indicate tumor growth. 
Ultrasound Probe: Provides detailed imaging for comprehensive breast tissue analysis. 
Predictive Analytics: Analyzes the combined data to detect abnormalities with high precision. 
The device is both cost-effective and user-friendly, allowing individuals to monitor their breast health from home. This capability not only reduces the need for routine clinical visits but also empowers individuals to take control of their health through regular monitoring. 
Designed for both home and facility use, Mammary Protect aims to empower individuals and improve survival rates through early breast cancer detection. 

IMPACT/POTENTIAL

Early Detection: Improves survival rates (nearly 100% when caught early vs. 25% in late stages).

Accessibility: Affordable and portable, making it viable for low-resource settings.

Safety: No radiation exposure, reducing risks associated with frequent screenings.

Empowerment: Allows women to monitor their breast health proactively, reducing reliance on infrequent clinical screenings.

By providing a safer, more accurate, and scalable alternative to traditional methods, Mammary Protect has the potential to transform breast cancer detection and save millions of lives globally.