A technologically advanced tampon able to detecting cervical cancer early is within the works.
The “smart tampon” utilizes artificial intelligence and analyzes data for the screening process that may ultimately notify the user in the event that they have to see a physician for a Pap smear.
The device could possibly be the subsequent big thing in cervical cancer screening, and its inventors are selling it for under $40 to $60, in accordance with WBAL-TV.
Nevertheless, the smart tampon remains to be just an idea. The Johns Hopkins University graduates liable for this concept are Haley Hoaglund and Madeline Howard.
The goal is to curb cervical cancer cases by providing women a way to detect the condition early before it progresses with the assistance of the tampon-shaped device.
Women are encouraged to undergo a Pap smear every three years to screen for cancer. The method involves collecting cells from the cervix for commentary within the laboratory. Early detection of abnormal cells is step one in halting the possible development of cervical cancer, as per the Mayo Clinic.
Nevertheless, many ladies fail to have a Pap test for private reasons, resulting in several cervical cancer cases being undiagnosed.
“The very first thing that we thought of, being women, was what will we hate about health care, and that’s our Pap smears. We got here up with this concept for a wise tampon that’s capable of screen for cervical cancer within the comfort of your personal home,” Hoaglund told the outlet.
“We’re also intentional about calling it a tampon, knowing it’s not going to function another tampon, right? But it surely’s in an try to allow for that easy understanding of what it might appear like — the dimensions, the form, right?” Howard added.
The sensor and diagnostic tool will function preliminary screening. The proponents hope that with this technology, they’ll slowly eliminate the barriers to care in relation to getting a Pap smear.
Hoaglund and Howard are aware that some women can have deeply emotional reasons for avoiding the screenings. Those that have been sexually assaulted should have traumas and developed a fear of screening procedures.
Hoaglund said that with the smart tampon, women wouldn’t need to worry since they’ll perform the screening procedure throughout the confines of their homes.
“There are numerous individuals who have been sexually assaulted or violated, and you will have numerous traumas related to some of these procedures. So, with the ability to provide someone that comfort and the sanctity of doing this procedure in their very own home can be just an enormous value-add,” she said.
After conceptualizing the device, the 2 are actually in search of investors to make the smart tampon a reality.
Every 12 months, the U.S. records about 13,000 latest cases of cervical cancer and around 4,000 deaths as a result of the condition. Hispanic women have the best risk of cervical cancer, followed by Black women, in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.