“A life-changing visit”: Technology at popular attraction discovers tourist’s breast cancer
A major UK tourist attraction has proved it is worth its weight in gold by detecting that one of its visitors had breast cancer.
Installed in 2009, the Thermal Camera is a popular part of the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions in Edinburgh, Scotland, and lets visitors see a visual of all their body hot spots.
However, when 41-year-old Bal Gill took a photo in the popular tourist attraction’s thermal imaging room, she noticed a red heat patch coming from her left breast.
On returning home, Gill investigated further and discovered that thermal imaging cameras are often used as a tool by oncologists. The 41-year-old made an appointment with her doctor and was sadly diagnosed with breast cancer.
According to the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions website, Gill has since had two surgeries and has one to go to prevent the cancer from spreading.
“I just wanted to say thank you: without that camera, I would never have known,” she said.
“I know it’s not the intention of the camera, but for me, it really was a life-changing visit. I cannot tell you enough about how my visit to the Camera Obscura changed my life.”
Andrew Johnson, general manager of Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, said: “We did not realise that our Thermal Camera had the potential to detect life-changing symptoms in this way.
“We were really moved when Bal contacted us to share her story as breast cancer is very close to home for me and a number of our team.
“It’s amazing that Bal noticed the difference in the image and crucially acted on it promptly. We wish her all the best with her recovery and hope to meet her and her family in the future.”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions edinburgh scotland Thermal Camera thermal imagingLatest News
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