Breast cancer
is one of the main health concerns that women face in this day and age. For many, learning of a family member’s cancer diagnosis can be absolutely devastating. For others, it can bring about a moment of inspiration.
Julian Rois Cantu is an 18-year-old student from Mexico. After his mother nearly died of breast cancer, he invented a device to detect the breast cancer early and hopefully save millions of women.
Julian Rois Cantu’s Story
Julian’s mother became sick with cancer for the second time when he was 13.
“The tumour went from having the dimensions of a grain of rice to that of a golf ball in less than six months. The diagnosis came too late and my mother lost both of her breasts and, almost, her life,” he explained in a company video (1).
When he was 17, Julian and three of his friends designed a bra that had the ability to diagnose breast cancer in its early stages.
The Lifesaving Invention
The “breast cancer bra” uses 200 tactile, temperature, and light sensors that map the surface of the breast and surrounding areas. These sensors monitor changes in the color, texture, and temperature of the breasts and send this information to an app on the patient’s phone. This data can then be shared with an oncologist.
“When there is a tumor in the breast there is more blood, more heat, so there are changes in temperature and in texture,” Julian explains. “If we see a persistent change, we will recommend that you go to the doctor.” (2)
Putting the technology in a bra makes it convenient and easy to use. It also ensures that the breasts are in the same position for every test. Best of all, the “Eva” bra only needs to be worn for 60-90 minutes a week to get accurate measurements.