Assessing Biosensor Effectiveness for Early Cancer Detection Within Underrepresented Communities

By: Salamat Ibrahim, Capital Preparatory Bronx Charter School

Healthcare disparities continue to negatively impact underrepresented and low socioeconomic communities, particularly in access to early cancer detection. Cancer remains a leading cause of death in the United States, and delayed diagnosis often results in poorer outcomes due to limited access to affordable and timely screening methods. Biosensors have emerged as a promising solution to address these challenges by enabling early detection of cancer biomarkers through cost-effective, portable, and rapid diagnostic tools. These devices function by converting biological reactions into measurable signals, allowing for the identification of biomarkers such as tumor proteins, nucleic acids, and extracellular vesicles. Recent advancements in biosensor technology, including electrochemical biosensors, biochips, and nanotechnology, have improved sensitivity and accuracy in detecting cancer at earlier stages. While biosensors offer significant advantages, such as affordability and fast response times, challenges remain due to tumor heterogeneity, which can lead to diagnostic inconsistencies, including false positives or negatives. Despite these limitations, continued research and the integration of nanomaterials show strong potential to enhance biomarker analysis and reliability. Biosensors represent an innovative approach to reducing health disparities by increasing access to early cancer detection. Their development may help bridge gaps in cancer diagnosis for underserved populations and improve long-term healthcare outcomes through equitable, accessible diagnostic solutions.