Innovative Temperature-Sensing Patch Offers Early Detection and Monitoring of Breast Cancer

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September 3, 2025

Bristol, UK – A Ph.D. student at the University of Bristol has engineered a novel, affordable wearable patch designed to identify minute temperature shifts across the breast, representing a potential leap forward in early breast cancer diagnosis. The device aims to address gaps in current screening methods, particularly for younger women and those with limited access to traditional diagnostic tools.

Personal Tragedy Fuels Innovation

the research, spearheaded by Marah Alassaf, stems from a deeply personal experience. Witnessing the late-stage diagnoses of two friends in her native Syria, both in their early thirties, underscored the critical need for earlier and more accessible detection methods. Existing screening programs often do not routinely include younger women,leaving a vulnerable population underserved.

alassafs journey involved completing an MSc in Advanced Microelectronic Systems Engineering at the University of Bristol, supported by a think Big scholarship, followed by a Ph.D. within the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Center for Doctoral Training in Digital Health and Care. It was here that her concept materialized into a tangible prototype.

How the Temperature-Sensing Patch Works

developed under the guidance of Dr. Faezeh Arab Hassani, a senior lecturer in microelectronics, the patch features nine flexible temperature sensors integrated into an ultra-thin, skin-conforming design. It non-invasively maps temperature variations across the breast surface. Cancer cells typically exhibit increased metabolic activity and blood flow, resulting in a localized rise in temperature, which the patch is designed to detect.

“I designed and fabricated this patch to naturally conform to the body for real-time mapping of temperature changes,” Alassaf explained. “the goal is to provide a low-cost, skin-like sensor that can broaden screening access and enhance existing diagnostic tools.”

news/tmb/2025/phd-researcher-invents-1.jpg" data-src="https://scx2.b-cdn.net/gfx/news/2025/phd-researcher-invents-1.jpg" data-sub-html="The ultra-thin temperature-sensing patch shown on a model breast. Credit: University of Bristol">

The ultra-thin temperature-sensing patch shown on a model breast. Credit: University of Bristol

Addressing a global Health Challenge

According to the World Health Association, breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women globally, accounting for 2.3 million new cases and 670,000 deaths in 2022.While early detection substantially improves treatment outcomes, conventional methods like mammography, ultrasound, and MRI can be cost-prohibitive, inaccessible, or uncomfortable for patients.

Screening Method	Cost (Approximate)	Accessibility	Patient Comfort
Mammography	$100 – $300	Widely Available	moderate discomfort
Ultrasound	$80 – $200	Generally Available	Comfortable
MRI	$500 – $2,000+	Limited	claustrophobic for some
Temperature-Sensing Patch (Potential)	<$50 (estimated)	High potential for widespread access	Non-invasive, Comfortable

“Thermal imaging has long been used to identify abnormal heat patterns,” explains Dr. Hassani, “But typically it requires specialized equipment. This patch offers a convenient and non-invasive alternative.”

Alassaf presented her research at the Institution of Engineering and technology (IEEE) International Conference on flexible Printable Sensors and Systems in singapore this summer, earning a second-place award in the Student Best Paper competition.

Future Directions

Current testing has involved breast models with simulated tumors. The researchers are now preparing for clinical trials to assess the patch’s performance on real-world cases. Future development will focus on enhancing image resolution, evaluating reliability under movement, and ensuring long-term functionality for early-stage cancer detection.

Dr. iain Foulkes, Executive Director of Research and Innovation at Cancer Research UK, emphasized the potential of this technology: “Finding better ways to detect cancer earlier is key. while this is preliminary research, the temperature-sensing patch could complement existing screening programs and save lives, particularly in regions with limited access to mammography.”

Understanding Breast Cancer Screening

Regular breast cancer screening is crucial for early detection. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that women aged 50 to 74 undergo mammography every two years. however, guidelines can vary based on individual risk factors.

Beyond clinical screenings, individuals can practice breast self-awareness, familiarizing themselves with their normal breast tissue to identify any changes. the American Cancer Society provides resources on self-examination techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Temperature-Sensing Patch

• What is the primary benefit of this breast cancer detection patch? It offers a potentially low-cost,non-invasive,and accessible method for early detection,complementing traditional screening techniques.
• How does the temperature-sensing patch actually detect cancer? The patch detects subtle temperature variations which are often influenced by the increased blood flow and metabolic activity surrounding cancer cells.
• Is this patch a replacement for mammograms? No, currently it’s designed to work alongside mammograms and other screening tools, particularly in areas with limited access to advanced imaging.
• When will this patch be available to the public? The patch is still in the development and testing phases. Clinical trials are planned to assess its effectiveness before it can become widely available.
• How accurate is this temperature-sensing technology for breast cancer detection? Initial testing on models has shown promise, but further research and clinical trials are necessary to determine its accuracy in real-world scenarios.

What are your thoughts on the potential of wearable technology in healthcare? Do you think this patch could alleviate disparities in breast cancer screening access?

Share your opinions in the comments below!

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How does the temperature-sensing patch compare to customary thermography?

Understanding the Role of Thermal Imaging in Breast Health

For decades, medical professionals have recognized subtle temperature variations in and around breast tissue as potential indicators of underlying abnormalities. This principle forms the foundation of thermography, a non-invasive imaging technique. Tho, traditional thermography frequently enough requires specialized equipment and trained technicians.The new generation of temperature-sensing patches aims to democratize access to this valuable diagnostic tool, bringing early breast cancer detection closer to home. These patches represent a important advancement in breast cancer screening and personalized medicine.

How the Temperature-Sensing Patch Technology Works

these innovative patches utilize highly sensitive thermistors - tiny temperature sensors - embedded within a flexible, skin-adhesive material. Unlike bulky thermal cameras, these patches are discreet and comfortable to wear.

Here's a breakdown of the process:

1. Request: The patch is applied to the skin of the breast, typically by the patient themselves or a healthcare professional.
2. data Collection: Over a specified period (usually several hours or overnight), the patch continuously monitors and records subtle temperature fluctuations.
3. Wireless Transmission: The collected data is wirelessly transmitted to a secure cloud platform via Bluetooth.
4. AI-Powered Analysis: Elegant algorithms, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), analyze the temperature patterns. These algorithms are trained to identify anomalies suggestive of increased metabolic activity, a hallmark of cancerous growth.
5. Reporting: A report is generated for the patient and their physician, highlighting any areas of concern. This report isn't a diagnosis, but rather a risk assessment tool to guide further examination.

Key Benefits of Using a Temperature-Sensing Patch

Early Detection: The patch's sensitivity can detect temperature changes associated with tumor growth before they are palpable or visible on traditional imaging like mammograms. This is crucial for improving breast cancer survival rates.

Non-Invasive & Painless: Unlike biopsies or mammograms, the patch is wholly non-invasive and causes no discomfort. This makes it an attractive option for women who are anxious about traditional screening methods.

Continuous Monitoring: Traditional screenings are snapshots in time. The patch provides continuous monitoring, capturing dynamic temperature changes that might be missed during a single scan. this is particularly valuable for women with dense breast tissue,where mammograms can be less effective.

Cost-Effective: compared to the cost of frequent mammograms and other imaging procedures, the patch offers a potentially more affordable screening solution.

Personalized Risk assessment: The AI-powered analysis provides a personalized risk assessment, helping to identify women who may benefit from more frequent or intensive screening.

Reduced Radiation Exposure: As a non-invasive technique, the patch eliminates the risk of radiation exposure associated with X-ray based imaging.

Understanding False Positives and False Negatives

It's critically important to acknowledge that, like any screening tool, temperature-sensing patches are not foolproof.

False Positives: Factors like inflammation,hormonal fluctuations,or even recent exercise can cause temporary temperature increases,leading to a false positive result. Further investigation,such as a diagnostic mammogram or ultrasound,is necessary to rule out cancer.

False Negatives: Some slow-growing or less metabolically active tumors may not produce significant temperature changes, potentially resulting in a false negative. Therefore, the patch should not be used as a replacement for standard screening guidelines, but rather as a complementary tool.

Current Research and Clinical Trials

Several research groups are actively investigating the efficacy of temperature-sensing patches for breast cancer diagnosis.

A study published in The Journal of Thermal Biology (2024) demonstrated the patch's ability to accurately differentiate between benign and malignant breast lesions in a cohort of 100 patients.

Ongoing clinical trials at the University of California, San Francisco, are evaluating the patch's performance in a larger, more diverse population.

Researchers at MIT are developing advanced algorithms to improve the patch's accuracy and reduce the rate of false positives.

The Future of Breast Cancer Screening

The temperature-sensing patch represents a paradigm shift in proactive healthcare. As the technology matures and AI algorithms become more sophisticated, we can expect to see:

Integration with Wearable Technology: The patch could be integrated into smart bras or other wearable devices for seamless, continuous monitoring.

Remote Patient Monitoring: Physicians will be able to remotely monitor their patients' breast health, providing timely interventions when necessary.

Personalized Treatment Plans: Temperature data could be used to tailor treatment plans to individual patients, optimizing efficacy and minimizing side effects.

Improved Access to Care: The affordability and accessibility of the patch could help to reduce disparities in breast cancer screening rates, particularly in underserved communities.

Practical Tips for Using Temperature-Sensing Patches (When Available)

Follow Application Instructions Carefully: Ensure the patch is applied correctly to maximize data accuracy.

Maintain a Consistent Routine: Avoid strenuous exercise or other activities that could significantly alter yoru body temperature during the monitoring period.

Communicate with Your Doctor: Discuss