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Project purpose
Several medical organizations recommend screening for breast cancer with annual clinical breast examinations (CBE)
and monthly breast self- examinations (BSE). Although CBE and BSE do detect some cancers missed by mammography,
improvement in mortality rates with CBE and BSE is difficult to demonstrate. Research shows that the sensitivity
of the CBE is approximately 54-63% (specificity around 94%). BSE is even less accurate. This low sensitivity may
be due in part to the limitations of current training methods. Currently, CBE and BSE are taught with live simulated
patients, artificial breast models and training videos, all of which are known to improve breast examination skills,
particularly the breast models. However, once a trainee has identified all the lumps in a silicone model, little
more can be learned from it.
The objective is to improve CBE performance with technological improvements to training materials and techniques.
The work will develop a breast model that can:
a) simulate tumors of variable hardness and depth while
b) measuring the forces exerted by the trainee to provide immediate feedback.
This device will provide trainees with repeated tactile training on multiple lump configurations and immediate
feedback on their performance. Pressure gauges will provide data to refine a quantitative model of breast tumor
detection. The investigation will test the hypothesis that training with the improved breast model will lead to
improved sensitivity and specificity in breast lump detection compared to traditional training methods.
Involved persons
Greg Gerling, Graduate Student, Department of Industrial Engineering
Geb Thomas, Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial Engineering
Alicia Weissman, MD and Assistant Professor, UIHC Family Medicine
Edwin Dove, Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering
Plans for Future
- Incorporation of user feedback system
- Mathmatical description/modeling of lump palpation
- Engineering manufacturing design for construction of model
- Continuing grant source search – National Institute of Health, American Cancer Society, Cancer Research Foundation, etc.
Funding Sources and Press
Funded by: UI College of Medicine Educational Development Fund Grant, CIFRE Grant
News Response: Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Gazette, KCRG-TV9 Broadcast, and Columbus Junction Gazette
