Background

1.44 million fewer women had a mammogram in 2005 compared to 2000. This leaves the US with 8700 women with undiagnosed breast cancer in 2005. There are an additional 20 million eligible women who have never had a mammogram.

All mammals have a number of volatile organic compounds in their breath. The relative concentrations can be used to create an individual profile. Research shows that these profiles are altered in specific ways by specific diseases. Breath analysis of these profiles can successfully diagnose 80% of breast cancer cases (vs 75% for mammograms) while producing fewer false positives. This technology is in the trial stage to achieve FDA approval by 2010. Studies are also being done to investigate its effectiveness in detecting lung cancer, liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, renal failure and schizophrenia.

Solution

The Breathalyst is a product that allows women to test themselves in their own homes. The system is analogous to the NetFlix DVD rental system. Sample collection tubes are sent to the user with prepaid envelopes when it's time for a test. The user inserts the tubes into her Breathalyst and mails them back to the lab when she’s finished. The user can track all her results on her personalized web page. Test results are also monitored by doctors, who will notify the user if she needs to come in for further testing.

The Breathalyst eliminates the discomfort and anxiety many women associate with mammograms. The Breathalyst program can also be tailored to each woman's personal medical needs. Most women will only need to be tested once a year, but those with high risk factors could test themselves monthly, or even weekly without the need for a doctor's appointment.