Project Scope
The project aims to develop an innovative, non-invasive handheld sensor using Passive Medical Radiometry (MWR) technology combined with artificial intelligence (AI) to detect early signs of breast and ovarian cancers. This initiative addresses pressing societal and economic challenges by providing a cost-effective, accessible diagnostic tool that empowers women, especially those in remote and underserved areas, to monitor their health proactively. Our project aligns with Innovate UK's objectives by promoting women in innovation, fostering role models, and addressing significant health issues.
Societal, Environmental, and Economic Challenges
Breast and ovarian cancers are major health concerns globally, with significant societal and economic implications. Early detection is critical to improving survival rates, reducing treatment costs, and alleviating the emotional and financial burden on families and healthcare systems. However, access to early diagnostic tools is limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and remote areas. Traditional methods like mammography and CT scans are expensive, involve radiation risks, and are often inaccessible to many women. The MWR handheld sensor aims to address these challenges by offering a safer, more affordable, and widely accessible alternative.
Innovation and Impact
Our project leverages cutting-edge MWR technology and AI to create a game-changing diagnostic tool that measures internal breast and ovarian temperatures. The sensor will enable early detection of abnormalities, prompting timely medical intervention. This innovation not only improves health outcomes but also reduces healthcare costs and the environmental impact associated with conventional diagnostic methods. By democratizing access to advanced medical diagnostics, we aim to significantly reduce the incidence and mortality rates of breast and ovarian cancers.
Expected Impacts on Society, the Economy, and the Environment
Our project, focusing on early detection of breast and ovarian cancers through non-invasive Passive Medical Radiometry (MWR) technology, promises substantial positive impacts across society, the economy, and the environment. By providing an accessible and affordable diagnostic tool, the project empowers women to monitor their health proactively, leading to earlier detection and treatment of cancers. This can significantly improve survival rates and reduce the emotional and financial burden on families and healthcare systems. It also promotes health equity by making advanced diagnostics available in underserved and remote areas.
Early detection of cancer reduces treatment costs, as less intensive and expensive treatments are often required when cancer is caught early. This can lower healthcare expenditures for individuals and public health systems. Additionally, the development and commercialization of the MWR sensor can stimulate economic growth by creating jobs in research, development, manufacturing, and distribution sectors. The MWR technology eliminates the need for radiation-based diagnostic tools like mammography and CT scans, reducing the environmental footprint associated with their use and disposal. The sensor's reliance on non-invasive techniques also minimizes waste and the need for protective equipment, contributing to environmental sustainability.
Potential negative impacts include data privacy concerns, misuse of the technology, and potential over-reliance on the device without professional medical consultation. To mitigate data privacy concerns, robust cybersecurity measures will be implemented to ensure that all patient data stored in the cloud is encrypted and accessible only to authorized personnel. Compliance with GDPR and other relevant regulations will be strictly enforced. To prevent misuse, educational campaigns will be launched to inform users about the correct use of the sensor and the importance of consulting healthcare professionals for diagnosis and treatment.
To address over-reliance, the device will be designed with clear guidelines and warnings, emphasizing that it is a supplementary tool for self-monitoring and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
New Idea or Business Opportunity and Its Importance
The "MWR for Women Health" project introduces an innovative non-invasive handheld sensor using Passive Medical Radiometry (MWR) technology combined with artificial intelligence (AI) to detect early signs of breast and ovarian cancers. This innovation is important because it addresses significant gaps in current diagnostic methods, offering a safer, more affordable, and widely accessible alternative. Traditional diagnostics like mammography and CT scans are expensive, involve radiation risks, and are often inaccessible, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and remote areas. The MWR sensor's ability to measure internal temperatures non-invasively and use AI for early detection provides a groundbreaking solution to these challenges.