A new breast cancer detection method has been announced by researchers at the University of Florida in collaboration with National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University.
This method, published in the ‘Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology’, uses a portable device that can identify breast cancer biomarkers in just five seconds, using a saliva sample and at a cost of less than five euros.
Breast cancer is one of the most common diseases in women worldwide, with more than 35,000 new cases diagnosed each year in Spain according to the ‘Cancer Figures, 2024’ study by the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM).
Although mammography is the main tool for its detection, this new method offers a revolutionary and accessible alternative.
The device works using paper test strips treated with specific antibodies that interact with cancer biomarkers.
How do you know if you have cancer?
Once the saliva sample is placed on the strip, electrical pulses are applied to measure the presence of the biomarkers. Even with extremely low concentrations of biomarkers, the device provides accurate results.
The highlight of this technology is its low cost. With a test strip that costs just a few cents and a reusable circuit board valued at five dollars, it becomes an affordable option even for countries with limited resources.
This advance promises early and accessible detection of breast cancer, which might have a significant impact in the fight once morest this disease.
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