In conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Cisco is helping fund a documentary called DETECTED, which chronicles the journey of Rob Royea to create the iTBRA, a normal bra embedded with a sensor technology that will help early detection of breast cancer.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) shares that breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer and it has killed half a million women worldwide in 2011. Although breast cancer cases in men are rare, the number of men opting for double masectomy has doubled between 2004-2011.
The same propensity applies to Malaysia. One in 19 women is likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 85. In 2014, 2,535 women died from the disease in the country. Since most cases are likely to be diagnosed in late stages in developing countries, these numbers are on the rise.
Therefore, the innovation of the iTBRA is very important in the fight against breast cancer as early detection is always a key strategy. Internet of Everything (IoE) provides endless possibilities and potential for this area. It has already contributed hugely to the healthcare system, for example, through electronic health records that are customised and secured for each patient.
The iTBRA is a new medical innovation brought to life with the power of IoE. The sensor fit into the bra will detect even the tiniest change in temperature and it is sufficiently powerful for women with dense breast tissues, which can be harder to detect with traditional x-ray techniques like mammography.
This is one the many examples of how IoE matters. It changes life. It may even save lives.
