Using synchrotron X-ray diffraction, it has been reported that a hair from an individual with breast cancer exhibits a difference in its molecular structure compared to that of an individual without breast cancer. This difference is visible in the X-ray diffraction pattern as a ring superimposed on the pattern for normal hair. The hypothesis of this study is that synchrotron x-ray diffraction can be used to differentiate hairs from women with medically diagnosed breast cancer from women not known to have the disease. To test this hypothesis, hair from 2000 women attending radiology clinics for mammography will be collected, analysed by x-ray diffraction and then analysed using Fermiscan proprietary image analysis software. The mammogram status of the subjects will be blinded from the diffraction analysts. Results will then be compared with mammography results to allow a direct comparison between the Fermiscan test and mammography in terms of specificity and sensitivity.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SCREENING
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
2,000
Bankstown Diagnostic Imaging Centre
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
RECRUITINGCampbelltown Ultrascan Radiology
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
RECRUITINGDiagnostic Imaging Centre, St George Private Hospital
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
RECRUITINGLiverpool Ultrascan Radiology
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
RECRUITINGPenrith Imaging
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
RECRUITINGAccuracy (sensitivity and specificity) of the breast cancer test based on detection of an abnormal pattern of hair x-ray diffraction compared to the gold standard of mammography plus biopsy where indicated
The prevalence of a positive hair x-ray diffraction pattern and a negative mammogram; and the prevalence of a negative hair x-ray diffraction pattern and a positive mammogram;
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.