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Breast cancer is rapidly becoming a major health concern for women in India, with 2022 witnessing an estimated 98,337 lives lost to this disease, according to IARC-WHO data. This alarming statistic makes breast cancer the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Indian women, highlighting the urgent need for accessible and effective screening solutions.
In an exclusive conversation with BW HealthcareWorld, Bhaumik Sanghvi, Co-Founder of UE LifeSciences shared insights into how the company addresses this pressing issue through its groundbreaking innovation, iBreastExam. Here are excerpts from the interview:
How does iBreastExam's technology differentiate it from traditional screening methods? What are the specific advantages in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, and ease of use?
iBreastExam sets itself apart from traditional breast cancer screening methods with its proprietary tactile sensing technology, which detects variations in tissue elasticity to identify early-stage abnormalities. Unlike mammography, it is radiation-free, non-invasive, and painless, offering a safer and more comfortable option, especially for younger women. The portable, battery-powered device is easy to operate by community healthcare workers and is designed for point-of-care screenings, making it accessible in both well-equipped healthcare facilities and underserved areas without the need for specialised infrastructure or expertise. Immediate results after testing streamline the process, enhancing efficiency and improving patient compliance thus making it an optimised screening technology.
With high sensitivity, iBreastExam enables the detection of clinically relevant lumps, while standardised results eliminate the variability associated with clinical breast exams. It is particularly effective in resource-limited settings where access to mammography is restricted, bridging the gap for underserved populations. At the same time, it enables early detection of breast cancer when taken between two screening mammograms providing enhanced accuracy and accessibility.
By breaking down cultural, psychological, and logistical barriers, iBreastExam encourages more women to undergo screenings. This innovative technology empowers healthcare providers to deliver timely interventions across diverse populations, improving outcomes for both served and underserved communities. Overall, iBreastExam democratises breast cancer detection, offering a simple, affordable, and efficient solution for early detection in a variety of healthcare environments furthering better health outcomes.
Can you elaborate on the role of AI and machine learning in enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of iBreastExam? How does AI contribute to early detection and improved patient outcomes?
AI and machine learning have become a significant asset to MedTech innovation, especially as a tool to aid in image analysis and diagnosis. While iBreastExam does produce an image, we leverage AI in different ways. First, as a tool that is designed to be used by a social health worker, iBreastExam implements AI and machine learning to “train” and guide the operator so that the procedure can be streamlined and performed by anyone using the product. By allowing the social health worker to quickly, objectively and accurately perform the exam, accessibility is dramatically increased. iBreastExam is a tool for ALL women, and this feature helps achieve that objective, in a way that produces repeatable and accurate results.
Secondly, iBreastExam incorporates a cloud data repository that aggregates all the clinical data collected from every iBreastExam. Using machine learning algorithms to help interpret the data, provide analytics, and calculate statistics, iBreastExam can provide data to stakeholders that has not been possible for certain demographics. In this respect, iBreastExam is the first of its kind, providing information that can help improve screening programs and protocols and optimise access to screening in certain areas.
What are the future plans for UE Lifesciences in terms of developing innovative screening technologies and expanding its product portfolio? Are there any specific areas of focus, such as point-of-care diagnostics or telemedicine?
UE Lifesciences is dedicated to advancing innovative technologies that bring early cancer detection to the point of care, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of location or socio-economic status. In addition to our focus on early detection of breast cancer, We're relentlessly developing solutions for the early detection of oral and cervical cancers, thereby addressing significant gaps in cancer screening and prevention. These trailblazing solutions will support a community health worker-led program for the early detection and management of three prevalent types of cancer (breast, cervical, and oral). Our vision is to roll out this initiative on a national scale through revolutionary innovation, bolstering the fight against cancer across India. In addition, our team is crafting another groundbreaking solution - a consumer device designed to empower individuals to take proactive control of their health. We're building a global ecosystem that blends point-of-care screening devices, innovative consumer solutions, and an AI-driven navigation platform to provide potent, life-saving interventions for women worldwide.
How does UE Lifesciences plan to expand its reach to underserved markets, particularly in developing countries? What are the key challenges and opportunities in globalising the business?
Reaching underserved markets is a core mission at UE LifeSciences. Through partnerships with local distributors, healthcare providers, NGOs, and governments, we implement scalable screening programs tailored to the needs of developing countries. iBreastExam’s ease of use and accessibility make it ideal for bridging infrastructure gaps and enabling community health workers to provide point-of-care screenings.
To address challenges such as low awareness, cultural stigmas, and regulatory hurdles, we focus on targeted education campaigns, community engagement, and strategic collaborations. By combining iBreastExam with targeted outreach, we aim to save lives through early detection and reduce the economic burden of late-stage cancer, transforming cancer care in underserved markets globally.
What strategies are in place to collaborate with healthcare providers, NGOs, and government agencies to promote early detection and improve access to screening?
At UE LifeSciences, we collaborate with diverse stakeholders to make a meaningful impact on underserved populations. Our partnerships with NGOs raise awareness about early cancer detection, particularly in rural and remote areas. By training community health workers to use devices like iBreastExam, we ensure effective, localised screenings.
We also work closely with governments to scale our efforts through large public health initiatives. By aligning with national healthcare policies, we integrate cancer screening into broader healthcare systems, ensuring accessibility and long-term sustainability. A recent example is our collaboration with the Goa government on the Swasth Mahila Swasth Goa project, in partnership with the YouWeCan foundation, where we conducted over 100,000 screenings for underserved communities.
In addition, we partner with healthcare providers, including hospitals and clinics, to seamlessly integrate our technology into existing workflows. This enables timely diagnoses and treatments following screenings.
To ensure sustainability while expanding our reach, we offer affordable solutions and occasionally leverage CSR funding to support program growth. By combining financial strategies with partnerships across NGOs, governments, and healthcare providers, we’re creating a collaborative ecosystem that bridges healthcare gaps and delivers life-saving screening to those who need it most.
Could you elaborate on UE Lifesciences' business model, including revenue streams, pricing strategies, and sustainability plans? How do you ensure the long-term viability of the company while maintaining affordability and accessibility?
Our business model prioritises two key objectives: affordability for end-users and sustainability for the company. Our revenue streams include device sales, a scan-based deployment model, and strategic partnerships with governments and NGOs. To ensure accessibility, we implement flexible pricing strategies, such as tiered pricing tailored to high- and low-income markets, without compromising financial stability. Additionally, we reinvest in research and development to drive innovation while maintaining operational efficiency to maximise our impact.
How does iBreastExam empower women to take control of their health and seek early detection? What are the psychological and social benefits of early diagnosis?
iBreastExam eliminates the barriers of fear, stigma, and lack of access, empowering women to prioritise their breast health. Its non-invasive and painless design encourages more women to participate in screenings, providing them with greater control over their health. With its portable nature and instant reporting, iBreastExam facilitates easy enrollment and immediate follow-up. In addition to screening for breast abnormalities, it plays a crucial role in raising cancer awareness. The device has been effective in reaching women who are hesitant to undergo traditional checks, helping to break down fear and stigma. Early detection not only improves survival rates but also alleviates the psychological stress associated with advanced cancer. Moreover, iBreastExam helps shift societal attitudes by promoting proactive health-seeking behaviour among women and their families.
How do you envision the integration of iBreastExam into the broader healthcare ecosystem, particularly in primary care settings? What are the potential cost-saving benefits of early detection through iBreastExam?
iBreastExam is ideally suited for integration into primary care, serving as a first-line screening tool that identifies high-risk patients for further evaluation. This reduces the reliance on expensive, resource-intensive screening modalities like mammograms. By detecting abnormalities early, iBreastExam may significantly lower treatment costs and improve survival rates, resulting in substantial cost savings for healthcare systems. Its portability also ensures that screenings can be conducted in community clinics and outreach programs.
How is UE Lifesciences addressing the social impact of breast cancer, particularly in low-income and underserved communities? Are there any specific initiatives or partnerships to promote awareness and accessibility to screening?
UE LifeSciences is deeply committed to addressing the social impact of breast cancer through a holistic approach to care. Some of our initiatives, in collaboration with NGOs and governments, focus on awareness campaigns, screening, follow-up diagnostics, and treatment for underserved populations. iBreastExam has been instrumental in the success of the Swasth Mahila Swasth Goa program, enabling early breast cancer detection in Goa. In partnership with the Yuvraj Singh Foundation and the State Health Ministry, this program offers a comprehensive, end-to-end solution, providing free screening and treatment for women in the state. The success of this initiative has led to the expansion of the program into the Swasth Mahila Swasth Bharat initiative, extending its impact to multiple districts across India.
Looking ahead, we are preparing to expand our reach further by introducing a triple cancer screening program that will include breast, cervical, and oral cancer detection. By bringing early detection and patient navigation directly to communities, this program will be a critical step towards equitable healthcare for all, empowering women across India to take charge of their health and well-being.
Through these efforts, we aim to reduce stigma, save lives, and improve the overall quality of life for women.
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