Mackay introduces breast cancer detection kit

Written by By Riza T. Olchondra, Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- Mackay Holdings Inc., which has green energy, health and real estate ventures is introducing its portable breast-cancer detection technology in the Philippines.

Company chair and founder James Mackay said the Biofield Diagnostic System was “painless and non-invasive.” The cancer detection process would take only 15 minutes and could be done anywhere, he added.

Even young women, who would not normally qualify for a mammogram because of breast tissue density, can be examined using MacKay’s technology, according to the firm.

More importantly, he said, the patented technology has been proven to be more cost-efficient and its results were more accurate than those of mammogram screening machines.

This is because the portable breast-cancer detection machine generates color-coded imagery that readily shows a patient’s levels of risk for breast cancer.

“The computer itself will interpret the data, so all that’s needed is a technician. The patient gets a printout that can be taken to the doctor. Those at risk can change diet or take other preventive measures, and those potentially with cancer can get a biopsy,” MacKay said.

Traditionally, hospitals have been spending so much money on expensive technology, but only a few women could afford to undertake the test, Mackay said.

With his company’s portable, cost-effective technology, more patients can avail themselves of testing since it is easy on the pocket and the testing centers can be located closer to those who need them.

This, MacKay said, would result in savings for the patient, their employer, whether a private firm or the government.

“It is actually cheaper for a company or a government agency to provide free testing than it is to pay for insurance and other benefits, provide other forms of support, and deal with lost productivity. You cut down the burden on government and on insurance companies,” MacKay said.

MacKay Holdings CEO Terry Macdonald said the company was not directly competing with hospitals since the machines were also offered to such institutions.

However, the larger markets for the technology are the rural areas and companies with many women employees.

Another possible market is clinics in urban areas where patients do not have ready access to hospitals or cannot afford traditional screening.

In this case, the machine also offers recurring income for doctors since they can charge patients for the sensors.