Dr. Gayatri Gogoi Secures Patent for Innovative Breast Exam Model

A significant advancement in breast cancer awareness has emerged from India, where Dr. Gayatri Gogoi, a prominent researcher, has been awarded a design patent for her Self Breast Examination Demonstration Model. The patent was granted by the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, and marks a crucial step in empowering women to take charge of their health.

Dr. Gogoi serves as an associate professor at the Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh, Assam, and is also an adjunct researcher at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Regional Medical Research Centre in the Northeast. Throughout her research on breast cancer, Dr. Gogoi observed that many diagnoses occur at advanced stages due to a lack of awareness regarding the disease.

Despite the availability of screening methods such as mammography, these options remain inaccessible for many women due to cost and technical requirements. A study from the Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai highlighted that training healthcare workers to detect cancer could save around 30,000 lives annually in India.

Addressing the Urgent Need for Awareness

“Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer globally, including in India, with a new case diagnosed every four minutes. Alarmingly, nearly 50% of these cases are identified at advanced stages,” said Dr. Gogoi. She emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced cancer awareness and the implementation of user-friendly screening programs.

Her demonstration model is designed to provide a simple, cost-effective way to teach women how to perform self-examinations. The aim is to train Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) at primary health centres and sub-centres, who can then educate women in their communities. This method seeks to bridge the knowledge gap currently present in breast cancer education.

Dr. Gogoi pointed out that existing training often relies solely on diagrams, which limits effective learning. “This Self Breast Examination Demonstration Model is made from everyday materials that are safe, eco-friendly, and lightweight, making it easy for ASHAs and ANMs to carry and use,” she explained.

Moreover, the model respects cultural sensitivities, ensuring that female trainers can comfortably demonstrate techniques in public settings. Dr. Gogoi believes that this approach could be transformative for early detection of abnormalities in breast health.

Support and Future Impact

Dr. Gogoi’s initiative is backed by both the Assam Medical College and the Pratishruti Cancer and Palliative Trust, signaling a collaborative effort to enhance cancer education in rural and urban communities alike. Her work not only aims to advance scientific research but also to foster a greater understanding of health issues within society.

For those interested in learning more about the Self Breast Examination Demonstration Model, a prototype application is available on YouTube by searching “Self Breast Examination by Dr. Gayatri Gogoi.”

As breast cancer rates continue to rise, innovations like Dr. Gogoi’s model are essential in promoting awareness and early detection, potentially saving countless lives in the process.