Mexican students created a thermal imaging test capable of detecting breast cancer using a thermal camera.
Thermy, the name of this software, is a tool that works through a thermal camera that captures images of patients' breasts. When capturing the image, it is analyzed through an artificial intelligence system. The system is trained through images; there are cancer cells that cause the flow of blood to rise and increase the temperature in those areas, therefore, through heat it is possible to detect them.
The photograph should be taken at a distance of a meter and a half, and it could be done in a dark room to offer greater privacy for the patient.
Thermy is in operation from the Breast Cancer Foundation (FUCAM) facility, where data from more than 3,000 patients have been collected.
Jan André Merino, co-creator of the system, commented that Thermy does not represent a substitute for mastography, but a tool for diagnosis, especially for women under the age of 40, as mastography is recommended to women aged 40 and up. And more than 15% of breast cancer cases in Mexico are women under 40, making it an ideal alternative for women of that age range.
Thermy is in the process of acquiring health certification from the Federal Commission for the Protection of Health Risks (Cofepris). And after this Merino said that they expect to launch a commercial version that works through a computer or smartphone to make it easily accessible in remote areas, without the need for sophisticated systems.
Currently Thermy provides free diagnostics on FUCAM's premises, by appointment scheduled through its website.
