Using Water In Fight Against Breast Cancer

Research is underway into using water to detect breast cancer.  Each year more than 18 million women get a mammogram.  But, up to 15% of mammograms miss tell-tale signs of cancer.  News On 6 anchor Jennifer Loren reports a new technology is doing a better job of finding cancer and saving lives.

Judy Ballard is no stranger to breast cancer.

"I was just re-diagnosed in December and this time I had a mastectomy, and it was a little bit rougher ride for me," said Judy Ballard.

And, Judy's still at risk for it to return. Today, she's getting a follow-up screening with a new technology that uses water.

"It feels like a little sauna on your breast. The water temperature is warm.  It's very relaxing.  It's comforting," said Judy Ballard.

"So far it's been able to see almost all the cancers that are above five millimeters," said Dr. Peter Littrup, a radiologist with the Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, Michigan.

Developed by physicists and radiologists, the new technology, called computed ultrasound risk evaluation device or CURE does not use radiation, lasts one minute and is completely pain-free.

"We can get images with a lot more information than we've currently been able to. So, I don't think we'll have as many false positive situations. In fact, we're trying to also use this to reduce unnecessary biopsies," said Dr. Peter Littrup, a radiologist with the Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, Michigan.

While the woman's breast is suspended in water, ultrasound sensors transmit sound waves through the water. The device measures how the sound waves travel through the breast tissue. Computer images help doctors better pinpoint cancerous tissue.

"Based on the more limited trails that we've done so far, it does in fact to appear to be more accurate than mammography," said Neb Duric, PhD with the Karmanos Cancer Institute.

Judy's clinical trial scan results are being studied.  Other tests show her cancer has not come back.

"I'm a strong person; my attitude was it's not going to get me," said Judy Ballard.

She has a positive outlook to maintain a cancer-free life.  In clinical trials, the CURE system found 90% of cancers and identified 90% of benign masses.