CITIZENS
MammoScreen: Accessibility and trust in building a community through citizens.
CITIZENS
MammoScreen: Accessibility and trust in building a community through citizens.
Criteria for inclusion of patients in the project
The clinical study will involve 10 centers in 5 different European countries: Italy, Spain, Portugal, Poland and Switzerland, for a total of 10.000 patients. Each center will enroll volunteer women between 45 and 74 years old with average risk of cancer to be submitted to the clinical study. These women must be included in breast cancer screening protocols and will be selected by the investigators of each center. Therefore, it is not possible to submit applications to join this study. Nevertheless, the outcomes of this study have the potential to improve the early diagnosis of breast cancer for all women, and to help improving their quality of life and health.
Why is MammoScreen needed?
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women worldwide, affecting 1 in 8 women and mammography is the gold standard technology for breast screening.
However, it has limitations and potential drawbacks, such as the use of radiations, physical breast compression and performance restrictions due to the intrinsic nature of X-rays. In particular, breast density can prevent breast cancer detection in mammograms of women with radiographically dense breasts.
Age and screening frequency have been defined taking into account mammography risk-benefit ratio. Indeed, risks associated with repetitive mammographic exams and low sensitivity in dense breasts, limit the use of mammography in younger women or in reduced time intervals.
In general, women are eligible for biannual screening only after the age of 50 (45 in some countries/regions). Nevertheless, recent studies from IARC show that 30% of breast cancers are now diagnosed in women aged under 50 and early diagnosis is the only effective mean to tackle breast cancer.
MammoScreen project aims at overcoming this drawbacks, enabling all women, independently from their age, with a more inclusive technology that can be a game changer in early breast cancer screening.
Citizen involvement in MammoScreen: Empowering collaboration and co- creation for a healthier future
This section is dedicated to citizen involvement in MammoScreen project. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the value and importance of engaging citizens in the research and development of innovative healthcare solutions, notably in medical technology (MedTech). Learn more about patient involvement in Medtech here and here.
Following MedTech Europe Guidance on the interactions between the medical technology industry and Patients Organisations, this project has been devised to include the patients and citizen voice.
MammoScreen’s collaborative approach empowers individuals to actively participate in shaping the future of healthcare, driving advancements, and improving patient outcomes.
MammoWave: A game changer
MammoWave is an advanced device used for screening breast cancer. It works differently from traditional methods that use X-rays.
Instead, MammoWave uses safe microwaves to detect cancer with high accuracy. What makes MammoWave special is that it has a very good ability to detect cancer,
with ongoing clinical trials showing a sensitivity rate of over 90%.
This means it can identify cancer in a large percentage of cases.
The microwave imaging
Another advantage of MammoWave is that it uses a simple method that doesn’t require squishing or compressing the breast like other screening techniques. This makes the process more comfortable for the person being screened. Moreover, the microwave imaging technique used in MammoWave is completely safe.
Considering all these benefits, MammoWave is well-suited for widespread breast cancer screening programs, where large numbers of people can be screened easily and safely.
Citizens' involvement
By engaging citizens in the development, evaluation, and implementation of this revolutionary breast cancer screening device, we can ensure that it meets the real needs and expectations of the individuals who will benefit from it.
Here are some key reasons why citizen involvement in MammoWave is crucial:
Relevance and user-Centric Design
Citizens, especially those who have experienced breast cancer or have been screened for it, possess valuable insights and perspectives. Involving them in the development process of MammoWave ensures that the device is designed with their comfort, preferences, and specific needs in mind. Their input can contribute to user-friendly features, such as minimizing discomfort, optimizing ease of use, and accommodating diverse body types.
Acceptability and trust
Citizen involvement builds trust between the developers of MammoWave and the people who will use it. By involving citizens, we ensure that they have the opportunity to contribute to the decision-making process and voice their concerns, thus enabling them to accept and adopt the technology. This may help people overcome barriers to screening, such as fear, anxiety, or misconceptions, leading to higher participation rates and earlier detection of breast cancer.
Accessible and equitable Healthcare
Citizen involvement promotes considerations of accessibility and equity in healthcare. By engaging citizens from different backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, and geographical locations, we hope to identify and address potential barriers to access MammoWave. This could involve addressing affordability, ensuring availability in underserved areas, and considering specific needs of marginalized populations. Citizen involvement helps prevent the technology from exacerbating healthcare disparities and ensures that it benefits everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
Ethical considerations
Engaging citizens in the implementation and evaluation of MammoWave helps addressing ethical concerns. Informed consent, privacy protection, and responsible data handling are essential aspects of any healthcare technology. By involving citizens, we can establish transparent processes, educate individuals about their rights, and ensure that their personal information is handled with care and respect.
Advocacy and empowerment
Citizen involvement in MammoScreen empowers individuals to take an active role in their own health and advocate for their needs. By participating in the development and evaluation of this screening device, citizens can influence policies, raise awareness, and contribute to the improvement of breast cancer screening programs. This involvement fosters a sense of ownership, empowerment, and collective responsibility for healthcare outcomes.
Conclusion
Citizen involvement in MammoWave is vital to harness the full potential of this innovative technology. By including citizens in the process, we can create a device that is user- friendly, widely accepted, accessible, ethically sound, and truly meets the needs of those it aims to serve. Together, we can drive advancements in breast cancer screening, make a significant impact on early detection, improve patient outcomes and hopefully save lives.
