According to Voice of Healthcare report published on 10 October 2024, IIT Indore has developed a compact and affordable device for early detection of which type of cancer, especially for women in rural and remote areas? 

The correct answer is Breast cancer.

Key Points

• IIT Indore has developed a compact and affordable device for the early detection of breast cancer, as reported by Voice of Healthcare on 10 October 2024.
• The device is designed to address the specific challenges faced by women in rural and remote areas, where access to diagnostic facilities is limited.
• It uses advanced thermal imaging and artificial intelligence for non-invasive, radiation-free, and early detection of breast cancer.
• The device is portable, cost-effective, and does not require highly specialized medical training, making it ideal for primary healthcare setups.
• By enabling early detection, the device aims to significantly improve breast cancer outcomes and reduce mortality rates in underserved regions.

Additional Information

• Breast cancer overview:
  • Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally and in India, accounting for a significant proportion of cancer-related deaths.
  • Early detection increases survival rates significantly, with up to 90% survival in early-stage cases.
  • Symptoms include lumps in the breast, changes in shape or size, and abnormal nipple discharge.
• Thermal imaging technology:
  • Thermal imaging detects temperature variations on the breast's surface caused by abnormal blood flow or metabolic activity associated with tumors.
  • This method is non-invasive, radiation-free, and suitable for repeated screenings.
• Challenges in rural healthcare:
  • Limited healthcare infrastructure and trained professionals hinder timely diagnosis of critical diseases like cancer in rural areas.
  • Affordable and portable diagnostic tools, like the one developed by IIT Indore, are essential to bridge this gap.
• Artificial Intelligence in healthcare:
  • AI enhances diagnostic accuracy by analyzing complex data patterns from imaging and other diagnostic tools.
  • It enables early detection and personalized treatment plans, improving patient outcomes.