Women may soon be able to buy a smart bra that will detect cancer at its earliest stage. The science of thermography in detecting breast cancer is in a development stage.

The Smart Bra is the invention of Dr. Elias Siores, Ph.D., Director of the Centre for Research and Innovation at the University of Bolton in the United Kingdom. The bra works by using a microwave antennae system that's woven into the fabric and detects abnormal temperature changes in breast tissue.

Slight temperature changes may be the result of increased blood flow which in turn may signal the development of breast cancer tumors. The science involves the supposition that as tumors grow, there is a higher demand for blood flow. The increased blood flow then produces elevated temperatures around the effected area of the breast. This slight elevation in temperature sets off a warning to the user to seek a medical consultation.

The innovation relies upon materials that are used in remote sensing devices that rely on small deviations in temperature to regulate the technology. These materials are exceptionally sensitive to passive microwaves to detect possible development of cancerous tumors.

The Smart Bra is worn in place of a regular undergarment.

An increase in blood flow may be a signal for other types of medical conditions, but Siores is continuing his effort to increase the sensitivity of the testing equipment to distinguish the unique characteristics of very early cancerous tumor development.

(Agencies Via Xinhua News Agency)