The new method involves lying face down while the device vibrates at different frequencies for cameras to capture surface motions. The images are analysed to detect possible tumours.
鈥淯p to now, this method of testing has been just as effective as asymptomatic mammography in finding early stages of cancer, capturing tumours as small as 7.5mm 鈥 smaller than a coffee bean,鈥 Fitzjohn says.
鈥淐urrently, free mammograms are offered to women aged 45-69 in New Zealand, but only 67% of women in that age group make the most of this. Many women put off coming in for mammography because they find it uncomfortable and invasive. In addition, almost 20% of breast cancers occur in women under 45, who aren鈥檛 eligible for the free programme and for whom mammography is not generally recommended.鈥
Mammograms can cost $200 (unless referred by a doctor) at breast clinics and radiology clinics.
鈥淭his method of testing wouldn鈥檛 require a skilled person to do it. We鈥檙e designing it to be automated so the patient could just come in, lay on the machine, and press a button to start the test. No-one else would have to be there and the testing will be much more comfortable, which will hopefully make it more attractive to people,鈥 she says.
An automated machine would make a difference to wait times for results too, with the outcome almost immediate, compared to the current wait of a couple of weeks for mammogram results.
Testing with a local GP at a primary health care centre would make a difference for women throughout Aotearoa, particularly those in rural and remote communities, where travelling into a city to get a mammogram may be difficult.
Fitzjohn鈥檚 PhD supervisor, University of mini传媒听Distinguished Professor Geoff Chase,听颈蝉听involved with other innovative projects听which are making a difference in the healthcare industry using engineering methods.
Professor Chase says he is delighted to collaborate with her on this important research.
鈥淛essie is tackling a big topic and achieving bigger results in a time where the impact of inequality and the injustice arising from poor equity of access to care is more visible than ever. This technology could make a significant difference for women in New Zealand, not only making testing for breast cancer far more accessible and less daunting, but also drastically cutting the costs of screening,鈥 he says.
Fitzjohn adds it would also have big financial benefits. In New Zealand, breast cancer is the most expensive cancer, with aspects such as treatment and biopsies costing around $76 million per year, not including $40m spent on breast screening.
鈥淚f we can get something that doesn鈥檛 need skilled trained radiologists and can be automated, then hopefully we can catch some of those cancers and make the treatments low-cost.鈥
The focus is now on gaining funding for another clinical trial, which would make a big difference in learning the necessary methods to socialise the tool.
鈥淎s we鈥檝e just got on a bit more of a roll and getting more meaningful results it鈥檇 be cool to look into a way I can keep going after I finish my PhD. If the opportunity crops up to do further research, I鈥檇 be very keen to take this project further.鈥
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