In a remarkable blend of necessity and personal experience, a courageous young innovator has created a life-saving garment designed to detect breast cancer at its earliest stages. Eighteen-year-old Marco Sanchez, a student from Mexico, recently received the prestigious Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) for his groundbreaking invention, EVA—a smart bra aimed at enhancing breast cancer detection.
Inspired by the harrowing experience of almost losing his mother to breast cancer, Sanchez embarked on this journey after she was diagnosed for the second time when he was just 13. “The tumor grew alarmingly fast, from the size of a grain of rice to that of a golf ball in under six months. Unfortunately, the diagnosis came too late, leading to her losing both breasts and facing life-threatening consequences,” Sanchez shared in a promotional video for his invention.
This personal tragedy fueled Sanchez’s desire to create a solution—an intelligent bra capable of detecting cancerous changes. At the age of 17, he and his peers launched their company, Vitalia, and set to work designing a revolutionary bra.
Introducing EVA: A Smart Bra for Early Detection
EVA is equipped with 200 biosensors that meticulously map the breast’s surface, monitoring texture, color, and temperature. This innovation is particularly beneficial for women with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer, as it offers a mobile or desktop app for users to track their breast health.
“The technology collects data and stores it for analysis,” Sanchez explained in an interview. “Increased blood flow associated with tumors results in changes in temperature and texture that our sensors can detect.” If significant changes are noted, the system alerts the user, suggesting a visit to the doctor for further evaluation. The urgency for early detection is underscored by statistics that reveal approximately 1.7 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer globally each year.
Practicality and Future Prospects
Sanchez chose the bra format for its practicality, stating, “It keeps the breasts in place and only needs to be worn for one hour each week.” While the prototype is not yet available for purchase, he anticipates that it will take about two years for the product to receive certification for public use.
The name of his company, Vitalia, draws inspiration from the Greek goddess of health, Hygiea, making it a fitting tribute to a venture dedicated to saving lives. For those interested in alternative family planning options, you can explore options like the home insemination kit or consider resources like IVF services for additional support in your journey.
Conclusion
In summary, Marco Sanchez’s innovative bra represents a significant step forward in the fight against breast cancer, merging personal experience with cutting-edge technology to promote early detection and save lives.
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