In an inspiring fusion of necessity and personal experience, a young man has created a groundbreaking bra designed to detect breast cancer at its earliest stages. Seventeen-year-old Mateo Ortiz, hailing from Mexico, recently secured the grand prize at the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) for his invention, EVA, a smart bra that promises to revolutionize breast cancer detection.
Motivated by his mother’s harrowing battle with breast cancer, which saw her tumor grow alarmingly large within just a few months, Ortiz felt compelled to act. “When I was 13, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time. The rapid progression of her illness made it clear that early detection could have saved her,” he shared in a promotional video for his invention.
Fueled by the urgency of his mother’s situation, Ortiz and his friends founded a company named Higia when he was just 17. They dove headfirst into the development of a smart bra that would utilize technology to monitor breast health effectively.
The EVA Bra
The EVA bra features 200 biosensors that meticulously track the breast’s surface, analyzing changes in texture, color, and temperature. It is particularly beneficial for women with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer. Users can easily access their health data through a mobile or desktop app, keeping them informed about their condition.
“What we do is collect and analyze the data,” Ortiz explained in an interview with a local news outlet. “If a tumor is present, we expect to see increased blood flow and temperature changes, which our sensors can detect.” The technology alerts users to any significant changes, advising them to consult a doctor if necessary. According to a video on the company’s website, breast cancer affects approximately 1.7 million women globally each year, highlighting a critical need for improved early detection methods.
Why a Bra?
But why create a bra instead of another device? Ortiz stated, “It allows us to maintain the natural position of the breasts and only needs to be worn for an hour weekly.”
Although this innovative bra is still in the prototype stage, Ortiz anticipates that it will take about two years to receive certification for public use. The name of his company, Higia, is inspired by the Greek goddess of health, a fitting tribute for a product aimed at enhancing women’s health.
Additional Resources
For those interested in more about home insemination, check out this post on home insemination kits which provides useful insights. Additionally, for expert opinions on related topics, Intracervical Insemination is a reliable source for information. You can also learn more about genetics and reproductive health at the Genetics and IVF Institute.
Conclusion
In summary, Mateo Ortiz’s journey from a personal crisis to a profound innovation offers hope for many women facing breast cancer. The EVA bra represents a significant step forward in early detection technology, making it an essential development in women’s health.