Indian Australian doctor discovers easy, non-invasive breast cancer test
A young Indian Australian doctor has just discovered an easier way of detecting breast cancer, which, she hopes, would eventually replace the current methods.
Dr. Dharmica Mistry, Chief Scientist at BCAL Diagnostics in Sydney in Australia, realized that oils from the blood of breast cancer patients was being deposited in their hair and that a simple blood test could screen for the disease.
Although the test is not yet on the market, preliminary results show a promising 90 per cent cancer detection rate.
Dr. Mistry said that the test would be “as simples as having a blood test at the GP or with your health care professional”.
The current testing method used to diagnose breast cancer is invasive and not easy, especially for young women and those living in regional areas. “The current testing method I do is physical examination.So it’s being vigilant, checking for changes and all those sorts of things,” she said.
Dr. Mistry said that the blood test is revolutionary as there isn’t one in the market right now.
Her method will undergo clinical trials next year and if successful, could revolutionize the way young women and women living in rural areas access breast cancer testing.
Dr. Mistry hopes that this method will increase the chances of women regularly screening their breasts. “People put off going to the doctors cause they don’t want to have a mammogram, they know that it’s painful and if you just knew that there was a simple blood test, I think a lot more people will get checked out.”
“If you’re in science or tech or any stem subject you have the ability to make a small change, and I think everybody is always looking for their chance to make a dent and I guess this is mine,” she said, adding that her dream is to have the method available for every woman around the world.
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