An Indian student studying in Australia has developed a smartphone app for early detection of breast cancer. The potential for this app is huge, because breast cancer is the most common of all cancers and is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide, according to a recent survey conducted by the Tata Memorial hospital. The same study revealed that one in every 28 women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime.
Sanjay Sreekumar, who hails from Kochi and is a software engineering undergraduate from Australian National University, has designed the app for a breast cancer awareness organisation 'The Young Adults Programme' (YAP). From reports so far, it seems like the app is downloadable across platforms, although most app stores like Google's Play Store and Apple's App store do not have it yet. The YAP app is designed to allow individuals to self-monitor for early signs of breast cancer. By providing monthly inputs of breast irregularities, the application can help identify if further medical screening is required.
Indian student developed smartphone app to detect breast cancer (Image credit: DeccanChronicle)
"There's a big potential for apps to provide a proactive means of detecting illnesses. This is not something that just targets specific people. It can affect everyone regardless of age and gender," Sreekumar was reported saying.
"I always feel sympathetic when I hear stories about people suffering from cancer. This is something I can do," he said in a statement. Sreekumar is currently working on improving the app by adding visual aids and multiple languages. He wants to get the word out to breast cancer organisations and promote the app internationally. "The core of YAP is providing an additional means of examination to save lives. It could apply to many illnesses. I want to see this technology being used world-wide," he said.
With inputs from PTI
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