Experiments on human beings may start later this year to pave the way for mass production next year, said Tzeng Yonhua, vice president for research and development at NCKU.

The device, whose size is similar to an iPhone, was invented using near-infrared technology and is intended for the early detection and warning of breast cancer, Tzeng said.

The invention is based on previous achievements by U.S. biophysicist Britton Chance, who is now a distinguished professor in NCKU's Institute of Innovations and Advanced Studies, Tzeng said.

NCKU has focused its research on streamlining the size of the device since taking over the research project two years ago.

Releasing near infrared lights of five to seven different wavelengths to detect potential cancer cells, the device performs non-invasive screening on users, who are not even required to take off their clothes or underwear, Tzeng said.

"The device is especially helpful to women who are too embarrassed to receive screening in hospitals," he said.

Equipped with a liquid crystal display panel and a personal storage disc, the device enables users to store the outcome of the screening and show it to their doctors for further diagnosis if abnormalities are detected, Tzeng said.

He said the technology can also be used to measure brain oxygen levels and blood glucose levels as well as detect pancreatic cancer.

Taiwanese manufacturers have expressed an interest in helping NCKU convert the device's prototype into viable samples, which will be sent to hospitals and medical schools in other countries for testing, Tzeng said.

He said the device is expected to be sold at price of around NT$10,000 (US$280) per unit, making it affordable for most households.