A remarkable invention has emerged from the world of medical research. Assam-based cancer researcher Dr. Gayatri Gogoi has been granted an Indian design patent for her innovative model related to breast cancer awareness and prevention. The breast cancer self-exam model patent holds immense importance, especially in a country like India, where breast cancer is becoming a serious public health concern and existing preventive methods are often too expensive for the average person. Dr. Gogoi’s low-cost, practical model offers an accessible solution for middle-class women, making early detection training more affordable and effective. At the same time, this recognition highlights how India is steadily becoming more aware of the significance of patents and intellectual property rights (IPR). If you want to learn more about this breakthrough, keep reading.
The Breast Self-Examination Model: Innovation for Women’s Health
Dr. Gayatri Gogoi, a medical academic and cancer researcher also an Associate Professor at Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh, and contributes as an Adjunct Research Fellow at the ICMR Regional Medical Research Centre, Northeast.
Before going into details about the patent and patent filing, it’s important to first understand the invention by Dr. Gayatri Gogoi — the Breast Self-Examination (BSE) demonstration model, also called the low-cost breast self-examination training model or simply the breast self-exam model. This innovative tool is designed to teach women how to correctly perform breast self-examinations and to train health workers like ASHAs and ANMs so they can confidently demonstrate and guide others. The main aim of this model is to make the detection of breast abnormalities easier and more accessible, which can play a crucial role in the early diagnosis of breast cancer.
In the recent interview, Dr. Gayatri Gogoi also mentioned how this examination model works.
- Demonstration: Health workers use the model to show the correct way of examining the breast, allowing women to practice the technique hands-on instead of relying only on diagrams.
- Look: Stand in front of a mirror and check for visible changes such as size, shape, dimpling, or skin alterations.
- Feel while standing: Using the flat part of the fingers, gently press the breast in a circular motion from the outer edge towards the nipple, covering all areas.
- Feel while lying down: Place a pillow under the shoulder and use the opposite hand to examine the breast again in a circular pattern.
- Check underarms: Feel for any lumps or unusual swelling in the armpit area.
- Learning by touch: The cotton and wool structure of the model helps women understand the pressure and movement needed to identify lumps.
- Confidence building: With practice, women gain confidence to perform self-examinations regularly at home.
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Why Dr. Gayatri Gogoi’s Invention is Important For Breast Self-Examination
Dr. Gayatri Gogoi’s breast cancer self-exam model patent is beneficial because it gives women a simple and affordable way to learn self-examination for early detection of breast cancer.
- Costs only about ₹150, making it accessible to everyone.
- Easy to carry and demonstrate in rural or urban areas.
- Helps women practice the correct technique through hands-on training.
- ASHAs and ANMs can confidently teach and guide women.
- Makes it easier to identify abnormalities at an early stage.
- Made from simple, safe, and sustainable materials.
- Replaces diagrams with a real model for better understanding.
How IPR Safeguards Dr. Gayatri Gogoi’s Breast Cancer Self-Exam Model Patent
After receiving the design patent, Dr. Gayatri Gogoi’s breast self-exam model is now legally protected under Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). This patent protection not only gives recognition to her innovation but also safeguards it. It highlights the growing importance of IPR in India, showing how innovative ideas in healthcare can be secured and promoted. With this protection, the model stands as an example of how patents encourage research, inspire new solutions, and help bring affordable health innovations to the community.
Conclusion
Dr. Gayatri Gogoi’s breast cancer self-exam model patent is more than just an innovative tool — it is a life-saving step towards affordable and accessible healthcare. By combining simplicity, low cost, and practicality, this model empowers women to take charge of their health and helps health workers spread awareness more effectively. The grant of a design patent not only protects this invention but also highlights the growing importance of IPR in India, encouraging more researchers to come forward with creative solutions.
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