Most women wear bras as a means of supporting their breast, prevent sagging, lift and shape the breast upward. Some women simply wear bras because of cultural reasons and the fact that it is socially acceptable. Others wear it as a fashion item, an undergarment, (or sometimes an outer-garment), that enhances sexual appeal. Whatever the purpose for wearing bras, it has become a staple garment in a women’s wardrobe.
One company out of Nevada has discovered another purpose for bras, that is early breast cancer detection. First Warning System created a bra with a built-in technology system that analyzes tissue changes in the breast up to 6 years before a tumor even forms. Patients wear the bras for a certain period of time. A monitor system with patented technology then collects the data, uploads it to the Internet, analyzes and conveys the results directly to the patient through her personal computer or mobile device. The procedure is meant to be non-evasive and more efficient than the traditional ways of detecting breast cancer.
The bras would be available as a prescription. It is primarily for at–risk patients, particularly ones who have a history of breast cancer in their families, but can be used by anyone concerned with developing the illness. At a cost of $1,000, this early detection technology is an innovative way to protect women’s health and reduce the risk of breast cancer through a wearable device. It could be available as early as 2013 in Europe and 2014 in the US.
