Breast Cancer Screening For New Mothers: Is it Safe, Things To Know Before One, And More

Question: iBreastExam is a radiation-free, non-invasive technological device. Can you explain the science behind how it works and what makes it different from traditional screening methods?

Godse said thatiBreastExam sets itself apart from traditional breast cancer screening methods with its proprietary tactile sensing technology, which detects variations in tissue elasticity to identify early-stage abnormalities. Unlike mammography, it is radiation-free, non-invasive, and painless, offering a safer and more comfortable option, especially for younger women. The portable, battery-powered device is easy to operate by community healthcare workers and is designed for point-of-care screenings, making it accessible in both well-equipped healthcare facilities and underserved areas without the need for specialized infrastructure or expertise. Immediate results after testing streamline the process, enhancing efficiency and improving patient compliance.

With high sensitivity, iBreastExam enables the detection of clinically relevant lumps, while standardised results eliminate the variability associated with clinical breast exams. It is particularly effective in resource-limited settings where access to mammography is restricted, bridging the gap for underserved populations. At the same time, it enables early detection for breast cancer when taken between two screening mammograms.

Question:For new mothers, breast health is a key concern. Is iBreastExam a safe and effective screening option for breastfeeding women/new mothers?

Breast exams, especially mammograms, can be uncomfortable and dangerous route for new mothers, however, we asked Godse if iBreastExam can play a role here. "Thanks to our proprietary FDA-approved, CE-marked and CDSCO-approved technology (only one of its kind in India), iBreastExam can be used on women of all ages, even if you’re breastfeeding. This is because unlike the gold-standard screening mammogram, iBreastExam does not use any kind of radiation in its process of detecting lumps. Instead, it offers a safer and more comfortable option, especially for younger women," shared Gauri.

Question:Pregnancy brings about many changes in a woman's body. Is iBreastExam a viable screening option during pregnancy, and what factors should be considered?

Gauri shared thatiBreastExam can be safely used in pregnant women, breastfeeding women,and women with surgical work done to their chests. It identifies the difference in tissue elasticity to detect lumps. However, during pregnancy/ breastfeeding, there may be irregularities in detection, so it is recommended that prior to the iBreastExam, you breast feed the baby.

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Question:What are the potential risks and limitations women should be aware of, and what are the undeniable advantages?

With iBreastExam, like any other screening tool, it will not tell the patient whether they have cancer or not. Its purpose is to detect changes in tissue elasticity, before it develops into rapidly spreading cancer. However, like all screening tools, further inquiry into findings will need to be done by a specialist- through a diagnostic ultrasound, biopsy, etc.

"However, there is no doubt that the portable, battery-powered device is easy to operate by community healthcare workers and is designed for point-of-care screenings, making it accessible in both well-equipped healthcare facilities and underserved areas without the need for specialized infrastructure or expertise. It is particularly effective in resource-limited settings where access to mammography is restricted, bridging the gap for underserved populations. At the same time, it enables early detection for breast cancer when taken between two screening mammograms," said Godse.

Question:Early detection is crucial in the fight against breast cancer. Can iBreastExam detect cancer in its earliest stages, such as Phase 1 or during the development phase?

Gauri said, "Yes,iBreastExam is especially made as an early detection screening solution, one that aids in finding differences in breast tissue elasticity at a pre-Stage 1 or a Stage 1 level, hence ensuring that we address the root of the problem and solve to cure the cancer when it is most viable, with the least impact for the patient."

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