The British National Health Services (NHS) is testing a new medical technology in the iPhone to diagnose throat cancer.
Patients often have to wait weeks to be screened for the disease, but it is hoped that a new camera device connected to a smartphone can instantly capture images and help specialists conduct cancer tests and report back within hours. will give
Volunteer Janet Hennessy, 76, from Bradley, UK, said this type of procedure usually takes up to three weeks, but this app is perfect.
NHS National Cancer Director Dr Kelly Palmer said early diagnosis of cancer is key to treating the disease early to give patients the best chance of survival.
People with suspected throat cancer usually have an endoscopy, which is a hospital procedure. The procedure involves a long, thin tube that is fitted with a camera and can be passed through the mouth or nose to see inside the body.
The Endoscope-Eye Adapter (which can be connected to an iPhone) includes a 32mm lens endoscope eyepiece and app that helps nurses capture images and share them with specialists via a secure cloud.
So far, more than 1,800 patients in the trials have been declared free of throat cancer within days, allowing doctors to focus on a smaller number of affected people.
