Smart period pad to detect cancer

A new device built into menstrual pads can detect disease — including cancer and endometriosis

Scientists have developed a new device that can be embedded in menstrual pads to detect disease biomarkers in period blood—potentially offering a noninvasive way to screen for conditions like ovarian cancer. 

The lightweight, silicone-encased prototype holds a paper test strip that changes color when exposed to specific proteins, including C-reactive protein (CRP) for inflammation, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) linked to certain cancers, and cancer antigen-125 (CA-125), which is associated with ovarian cancer.

 Early lab tests with menstrual and venous blood showed strong agreement with standard clinical chemistry methods, and volunteers reported no difference in comfort compared to regular pads.

The device’s potential lies in its accessibility: unlike current blood tests, it could be used at home, providing women with a simple way to track biomarkers over time. Researchers envision it as an “early warning” tool, particularly for those at higher genetic risk of cancer. However, they caution that the device could also raise anxiety if results are misinterpreted, and that issues like excess blood obscuring the test need refinement. Larger real-world trials with about 100 participants are planned, and if successful, the technology could reach the market within three years—making menstrual blood a powerful new resource in preventive health.