Nigerian Man Creates Bra To Detect Breast Cancer

A man has innovatively invented a cancer-detecting bra to ensure that cancerous cells in the breast are diagnosed early in Nigeria.

Idris Dangana, a 43-year old school teacher and a native of Kano, followed his drive of helping his community and developed his interest in learning computer and software development skills.

And after years of research and experiment, the physics education graduate set up BCScan, an innovation of the DiceHub (DIHub), which is behind the cancer-detecting device they would later come up with.

Speaking to the Daily Trust about his project, Idris said, “We joined hands and talked on possible partnerships with a local NGO on breast cancer, we deepened our search about this deadly cancer by asking as many women in our network, including healthcare professionals. The feedback was scary.”

Idris and his team in a solution to the problem came up a brassier, fitted with Artificial Intelligence, that could detect tumours that are as small as 2mm in diameter.

The wearable device would guarantee early detection, Idris Dangana said and is especially targeted at women in rural areas with limited access to health care and the prohibitive cost of mammography.

However, mass production of the device is a challenge. Not finding the capacity to mass-produce in Nigeria, idris Dangana decided to seek collaboration abroad. 

“We out-sourced to India and China to get the materials that we will use for manufacturing the cancer-detecting device produced,” he said.

Idris explained that with his invention, women can be tested for as low as N1, 000 if the device is available at primary healthcare facilities and private hospitals nationwide. Those who want a personalized device would have to pay N15, 000 – N25, 000.

Though his idea is global, he is desirous of immediate local impact.

He said: “It is evident that the gap is too wide between Africa and the rest of the world, particularly Nigeria and the northern region to be precise. Though we are still learning, I believe over time, the impact could be felt and will serve as a wakeup call to many to co-join and change the narratives.”

Source: AfricaCelebrities.Com