Corporations Can Close the Gap on Women’s Breast Cancer Screening; in an exclusive report by Gil Bashe, editor-in-chief of Medika Life, FINN Partners’ chair of global health and purpose, and a Health Tech World correspondent.
March marks Women’s History Month — a time to reflect on the progress and work to be done.
In the realm of medicine, women’s health has long lagged behind men’s, with breast cancer and heart disease diagnoses standing out as two glaring examples of this disparity.
Despite advances in medicine, a hidden and often overlooked challenge persists: the underdiagnosis of breast cancer in women with dense breast tissue.
The Challenge of Dense Breast Tissue
Dense breast tissue is not rare — it affects approximately 40–50 per cent of women.
The condition is characterised by a higher proportion of glandular and fibrous tissue than fatty tissue.
Tissue density increases the risk of developing breast cancer and makes tumors more difficult to detect using traditional mammography.
Mammograms can detect around 90 per cent of breast tumors in the least dense breasts but just 60 percent in the most dense breasts — this dangerous “masking effect” leads to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes.
The need for better screening tools for women with dense breast tissue is apparent. Early detection of breast cancer is crucial for improving survival rates.
When cancer is identified at an early stage, treatment options are more effective and less invasive, leading to better patient outcomes.
Research shows that regular screening mammography reduces breast cancer deaths by at least 20 per cent.
However, for women with dense breast tissue, the limitations of mammography call for alternative screening methods to ensure early and accurate detection.
A Personal Mission to Save Lives
Dr. Geetha Manjunath, the founder and CEO of Niramai Health Analytix, didn’t begin her career in healthcare — she’s a computer scientist.
But a devastating personal experience altered her path. Two of her relatives — just 42 and 38 — were diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer and passed away within six months.
Seeing firsthand the emotional, social, and economic toll pushed her to find a better solution.
“I knew there had to be a better way,” Dr. Manjunath reflects. And she found it by combining artificial intelligence and thermal imaging.
This is the potential power of AI applications – not artificial intelligence – but rather “augmented implementation.”
AI + Thermal Imaging = Early Detection
The Niramai innovative screening method, Thermalytix, uses AI to analyse thermal variations in breast tissue.
Unlike mammograms, this approach doesn’t require radiation, is pain-free, and can detect cancers in stage 0 or stage 1—well before a lump can be felt in self-exam or during a routine health professional visit.
The test is simple: a woman sits in front of a thermal camera, and the AI-driven system analyses the heat patterns in her breast tissue.
The system combines thermal radiomics and vascular radiomics to identify potential cancerous anomalies with remarkable accuracy.
Clinical studies have shown that Thermalytix has a false negative rate of less than 5 per cent.
Compare that to the 50 percent false negative rate of mammograms in dense tissue, and the potential for saving lives becomes pressing.
Gil Bashe
This technology is FDA-cleared, portable and easy to use—it can be set up in a corporate office or rural clinic and requires only 10–15 minutes per screening.
The test is noninvasive and entirely private: no touch, no see, no physical discomfort—just actionable information.
The results are analysed by AI and reviewed by a health professional, with detailed reports emailed directly to the patient within a day.
While it does not replace mammography, a health professional can now visualise tissue activity variations across the breast region, even in dense breasts.
Bringing Screening to the Workplace
In a game-changing move, Niramai is now conducting corporate-hosted breast health screenings in the US — the first of its kind.
This initiative has the potential to expand access to early detection dramatically.
A single device can screen approximately 30 women per day, and because the test is quick, private, and comfortable, participation rates are expected to increase.
FINN Partners, a global communication agency, became one of the first testing sites for this breakthrough technology.
The agency already has several programs geared to support employee health, and knowing the heightened cancer risks associated with women with dense breast tissue, it partnered with Niramai to provide screening to employees and family members interested.
“We have come a tremendous way in leveraging technology to advance health, yet we must continue to educate on the importance of preventative medicine and screenings,” said Shannon Riggs, managing partner of FINN Portland, who advocated for the in-house screen program.
Unlike a traditional mammogram, the Niramai test is non-contact, radiation-free, and suitable for women of all ages — including those with dense breast tissue.
Niramai technology is portable, making it ideal for deployment not only in hospitals and imaging centers but also in rural areas and underserved communities where access to traditional screening tools is limited.
Overcoming Obstacles to Early Detection
Women with dense breast tissue require supplementary imaging tests, such as ultrasound or MRI, to detect abnormalities that mammograms might miss.
However, accessing these additional screenings presents real challenges:
- Limited Access: Not all healthcare facilities offer advanced imaging technologies like MRI or ultrasound, especially in rural or underserved areas.
- High Costs: Supplementary screenings can be expensive, and insurance coverage varies, leading to potential out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
- Scheduling Delays: High demand for specialised imaging can result in long wait times, delaying diagnosis and treatment.
- Discomfort and Invasiveness: Some women may find additional imaging procedures uncomfortable or invasive, deterring them from pursuing necessary screenings.
Niramai AI-driven technology removes these obstacles by providing an affordable, portable, and non-invasive alternative.
Its ease of use and high accuracy mean more women can access early detection without the hassle and cost associated with additional imaging.
Speaking to Women — Lisa Heathman’s Story
Lisa Heathman knows firsthand the importance of early detection — and how a twist of fate can change everything.
Lisa was healthy and active when a cycling accident left her with broken ribs and pain in her chest. That injury led her to undergo imaging, which revealed a tumour.
It was early-stage breast cancer — detected before symptoms would have otherwise shown up.
Lisa’s story underscores how early detection can save lives. However, not every woman will experience a lucky accident that leads to a diagnosis.
“That’s why tools like Niramai AI-based screening are so critical — they enable women to take control of their health before symptoms appear.
“Dense breast tissue is like a mask,” Lisa explains. “Mammograms couldn’t see through it. But my accident and an MRI saved my life.”
Niramai AI-driven technology lifts that mask — giving women the advantage of catching cancer early, regardless of breast density.
Empowering Women, Saving Lives
Niramai is more than just a technological breakthrough—it’s a tool for health access. Traditional screening methods have long underserved women with dense breast tissue.
Thermalytix closes that gap, giving women of all ages and tissue types a better shot at early detection and survival.
Dr Manjunath’s mission is ambitious but clear: “My vision is to take this test to every woman on earth and eliminate deaths from breast cancer.”
As we observe Women’s History Month, Niramai innovation is a testament to technology’s power to reshape health outcomes.
Early detection saves lives — and thanks to AI, that life-saving tool is now more accessible than ever.
The future of women’s health is digital, and Niramai is leading the way. The question is no longer whether this technology can make a difference—it already does.
The real question is, how can people’s workplace evolve into a convenient point of care?
