Researchers at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) have developed the world’s first pocket-sized breast cancer detector for household use, the university announced yesterday.
Experiments on human beings may start later this year to pave the way for mass production next year, said Tzeng Yonhua (曾永華), vice president for research and development at NCKU.
The device, which is about the same size as an iPhone, uses near-infrared technology and is intended for the early detection of breast cancer, Tzeng said.
The invention is based on previous research by US biophysicist Britton Chance, who is now a distinguished professor in NCKU’s Institute of Innovations and Advanced Studies, Tzeng said.
NCKU has focused its research on reducing the size of the device since taking over the research project two years ago.
Releasing near-infrared light on five to seven different wavelengths to detect potential cancer cells, the device performs non-invasive screening without the need for users to remove clothing or underwear, Tzeng said.
“The device is especially helpful to women who are too embarrassed to undergo screening in hospitals,” he said.
Equipped with a liquid-crystal-display panel and a personal data storage disc, the device enables users to store the result of the screening and show it to their doctor for further diagnosis if abnormalities are detected, Tzeng said.
He said the technology can also be used to measure brain oxygen levels and blood glucose levels as well as detect pancreatic cancer.
Taiwanese manufacturers have expressed an interest in helping NCKU convert the prototype into viable samples, which will be sent to hospitals and medical schools in other countries for testing, Tzeng said.
He said the device is expected to be sold at around NT$10,000 per unit, making it affordable for most households.
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