Breast protection device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a breast protection device comprising a nipple cover with an open end, a closed end, a wall extending between the open end and the closed end, and a cavity at least partially defined by the wall and the closed end. The cavity is sized and shaped to surround a nipple of a breast of an individual. A collar radially extends from a circumferential edge of the nipple cover. The collar is configured to flexibly engage with a skin surface of the breast. An adhesive layer extends radially outward from a circumference of the collar and is configured to create a watertight seal with the skin surface of the breast.

Description

BREAST PROTECTION DEVICECLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 63 / 649,635, filed on May 20, 2024. The entire contents of the foregoing are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a breast protection device, and in particular, a breast protection device configured to seal a nipple of an individual.BACKGROUND

[0003] Breast cancer accounts for nearly one-third of cancer diagnoses in the U.S. each year, with over 40,000 deaths. Despite extensive research, no definitive lifestyle-based prevention strategies exist. Approximately 80% of cases are invasive ductal carcinomas, originating in the epithelial cells lining the breast ducts. As an open system, the breast ducts allow fluid movement influenced by pressure differentials, raising concerns that reverse flow may introduce external toxins (e.g., carcinogens), contributing to cancer development.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a comfortable, protective device that seals a nipple of a breast of an individual from an external environment to minimize or prevent fluid or toxin infiltration through one or more breast ducts in the breast. The breast protection device may be used as a preventive measure against breast cancer and is configured to cover any potentially open ducts at the nipple, protecting cells and tissues inside the breast from exposure to external toxins.

[0005] In accordance with a first aspect, a breast protection device may include a nipple cover comprising an open end, a closed end, a wall extending between the open end and the closed end, and a cavity at least partially defined by the wall and the closed end. The cavity may be sized and shaped to surround a nipple of a breast of an individual. A collar may radially extend from a circumferential edge of the nipple cover. The collar may be configured to flexibly engage with a skin surface of the breast. An adhesive layer may extend radially outward from a circumference of the collar. The adhesive layer may be configured to create a watertight seal with the skin surface of the breast.

[0006] In accordance with a second aspect, a breast protection device may include a body adapted to fit over a nipple of a breast of an individual. The body may include an interiorcavity sized to receive at least a portion of the nipple and an edge defining a polygonal shape of the body. An adhesive layer may extend outwardly from the edge of the body. The breast protection device may be configured such that the adhesive layer is configured to form a watertight seal (a) against a skin surface of the breast away from the nipple of the breast of the individual, and (b) around the edge of the body.

[0007] In accordance with a third aspect, a breast protection device comprises a body comprising a cavity, an edge, an interior surface at least partially defining the cavity, and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface. The cavity may be sized to receive a portion of a breast of an individual. An adhesive layer may extend outwardly relative to the edge of the body. An indicator may be coupled to the body and configured to react to liquid. A one-way valve may be coupled to the body and in fluid communication with the cavity. The one-way valve may be configured to release air from inside the cavity to create a vacuum in the cavity.

[0008] In further accordance with any one or more of the foregoing first, second, and third aspects, a breast protection device may further comprise any one or more of the following aspects.

[0009] In one example, the nipple cover may be configured such that when the breast protection device attaches to the breast of the individual, the nipple of the breast of the individual does not engage with the closed end of the nipple cover.

[0010] In another example, the nipple cover and the collar may be integrally formed.

[0011] In other examples, an indicator may be coupled to the nipple cover.

[0012] In some examples, the indicator may be configured to visually change when exposed to liquid penetrating the cavity of the nipple cover.

[0013] In one aspect, the indicator may be configured to change in color, opacity, or pigmentation in when exposed to liquid.

[0014] In other aspects, the adhesive layer may extend over the closed end of the nipple cover.

[0015] In some aspects, the breast protection device may be configured such that when the adhesive layer attaches to the skin surface of the individual, the cavity is sealed from an external environment.

[0016] In one implementation, the breast protection device may include an undergarment configured to be worn over one or more breasts of the individual.

[0017] In another implementation, the nipple cover, the collar, and the adhesive may be coupled to the undergarment.

[0018] In some implementations, the collar may have a polygonally-shaped profile.

[0019] In other implementations, the breast protection device may be waterproof.

[0020] In one aspect, the adhesive layer may have a polygonally-shaped profile.

[0021] In another aspect, the body may be dome-shaped.

[0022] In some aspects, a pull-tab may extend outwardly from the body.

[0023] In some examples, the valve may be radially offset from a center point of the body.

[0024] In one example, the breast protection device may include a sensor configured to detect pro-inflammatory cytokines.

[0025] In another example, the breast protection device may include a sensor configured to detect cancer indicators from a fluid.

[0026] Systems and methods described in the present disclosure can include one or more of the following advantages.

[0027] In accordance with some examples, the breast protection device or cover is designed to physically cover any open duct system of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC). The breast protection device or cover is watertight to prevent fluid flow into the breast that may cause biomechanical damage to the breast. Since inflammation is tied to the development of breast cancer, the use of a watertight device to cover the nipple could prevent inflammatory substances, such as soap, from entering open ducts, reducing (and potentially eliminating) inflammation in the milk ducts. For example, lactating individuals may be more susceptible to exposure to foreign materials from external fluids through open milk channels of an individual’s breast. The breast protection device or cover reduces injuries to ductal epithelial cells, thereby potentially reducing the incidence rate of breast cancer.

[0028] In accordance with some examples, the breast protection device or cover may be reusable, comfortable, and easy to apply, remove, and reapply without causing discomfort to the individual. For example, the breast cover has an adhesive surface that allows the cover to be taken on and off repeatedly, while maintaining adhesion to the skin. In some examples, the breast protection device or cover may sealably attach to an individual using adhesive, suction, negative pressure, or a combination of these methods.

[0029] In accordance with some examples, the breast protection device or cover conforms to the curvature of the breast, thereby minimizing any folding or potential openings between the skin surface and the adhesive. The breast protection device or cover is designed to fit around the nipple, without compressing the nipple, to prevent foreign materials from entering the breast while allowing breast milk to flow outwards. Additionally, the breast protection device or cover adheres to a skin surface outside of the NAC, thereby avoiding adhesion orsuction to the sensitive skin of the NAC. The breast protection device or cover may be shaped and designed to fit a wide range of breast anatomies or may be designed in multiple sizes and shapes.

[0030] As used herein, the terms “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “above,” and “below” are used to provide a relative relationship between structures. The use of these terms does not indicate or require that a particular structure must be located at a particular location in the apparatus.

[0031] Some examples may be described using the expression “coupled” and “connected” along with their derivatives. For example, some arrangements may be described using the term “coupled” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. The term “coupled,” however, may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still co-operate or interact with each other. The examples described herein are not limited in this context.

[0032] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description, figures, and claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Fig. 1 is a top, perspective view of an example breast protection device in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.|0034| Fig. 2 is a side view of the breast protection device of Fig. 1 .

[0035] Fig. 3 is a top view of the breast protection device of Fig. 1.

[0036] Fig. 4 is a bottom, perspective view of the breast protection device of Fig. 1.

[0037] Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the breast protection device of Fig. 1.

[0038] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the breast protection device of Fig. 1 applied to a breast of an individual.

[0039] Fig. 7 is an exploded, perspective view of another example breast protection device aligned with a diagram of a breast in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0040] Fig. 8 is a top, assembled view of the breast protection device of Fig. 7.

[0041] Fig. 9 is a side view of the breast protection device of Fig. 8.

[0042] Fig. 10 is a top view of another example breast protection device without an adhesive layer in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0043] Fig. 11 is a bottom view of the breast protection device of Fig. 10 with an adhesive layer.

[0044] Fig. 12 is a top view of another example breast protection device without an adhesive layer in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0045] Fig. 13 is a bottom view of the breast protection device of Fig. 12 with an adhesive layer.

[0046] Fig. 14 is a top view of a breast cover incorporating a breast protection device in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0047] Fig. 15 is a side, perspective view of the breast cover of Fig. 14; and

[0048] Fig. 16 is an interior view of another breast cover incorporating a breast protection device in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The present disclosure relates to a comfortable, breast protection device or cover configured to seal a nipple of a breast of an individual from an external environment to minimize or prevent fluid or toxin infiltration from high-risk environments. The breast protection device or cover may be used as a preventive measure against breast cancer and is configured to cover any potentially open ducts at the nipple, thereby protecting cells and tissues inside the breast from exposure to external toxins.

[0050] In Figs. 1-6, a first example breast protection device or cover 10 includes a body 14, an adhesive layer 32, a pull-tab 52, and a valve 48. The body 14 is waterproof and flexible and sized to fit over the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) area. The body 14 has an internal cavity 18 (Figs. 4 and 5), an edge 22 extending around a perimeter of the body 14, an interior surface 26 at least partially defining the cavity 18, and an exterior surface 28 opposite the interior surface 26. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the body 14 is dome-shaped to accommodate a protruding nipple and / or surrounding area of a breast of an individual. In other examples, the body 14 may have a different shape or shapes.

[0051] The adhesive layer 32 extends outwardly relative to the edge 22 of the breast 64 and is configured to form a watertight seal with a skin surface 68 of the breast 64 of the individual. An outer perimeter 36 of the adhesive layer 32 is jagged, creating a plurality of points 40 or protruding wings 40. The plurality of points 40 gives the adhesive layer 32 a flexibility when attaching the device 10 to a curved surface, such as a curvature of the breast at the nipple. The adhesive layer 32 and the body 14 are arranged such that adhesive layer 32 does not adhere to the areola or nipple of the patient.

[0052] The adhesive layer 32 is configured to adapt to many breast shapes and sizes. The outer perimeter 36 is spaced from the edge 22 of the body 14, providing a variable width ofadhesion around the circumference of the body 14. In the illustrated example, the outer perimeter 36 forms a nine-pointed star. However, in other examples, the outer perimeter 36 may have fewer or more points. In yet other examples, the points may be rounded lobes or petals separated by long gaps or short notches. The spaces between lobes, points, or petals of the adhesive layer may provide structural integrity to reduce instances of the adhesive folding on and sticking to itself.

[0053] An indicator 44 is coupled to the body 14 and is configured to visually react when exposed to liquid, such as water. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, an opaque cloud 44 is formed inside the cavity 18 to indicate the presence of water inside of the cavity 18. The indicator 44 may be a layer of color-changing ink, paint (e.g., hydrochromic paint), or other surface treatment that visibly changes when exposed to water or toxins to the breast milk ducts and tissue (e.g., soap). The body 14 of the cover 10 may be transparent so that the indicator 44 is externally visible from the cover 10. In some examples, the visible indicator 44 may be applied in a radial pattern extending toward the outer edge 22 of the body 14. In this manner, the indicator 44 would change in color as soon as moisture or toxins penetrated the edge 22 of the body 14. In some examples, one or more colors may be used in the body to indicate different levels of moisture penetration. For example, to make the color change more visible, an additional bright color may be below a layer of hydrochromic paint that changes in opacity when exposed to water.

[0054] The breast protection device 10 includes a negative pressure control mechanism 48. In one example, the negative pressure control mechanism 48 is a one-way valve 48. The one-way valve 48, or “air displacing suction bubble,” is coupled to the body 14 and is in fluid communication with the cavity 18. In the illustrated example, the one-way valve 48 is disposed through a wall of the body 14, connecting the cavity 18 to the external environment when the valve 48 is in an open position. The one-way valve 48 is configured to transfer air from inside the cavity 18 to outside the cavity 18 without permitting air to enter the cavity 18. Air is pushed out of the cavity 18, and the valve 48 seals to create a negative pressure within the cavity 18. The negative pressure creates a suction force in the cavity 18, which strengthens the attachment of the protection device 10 to the breast 64 of the individual. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the negative pressure control mechanism 48 is radially offset from a central axis of the body 14. In other examples, the negative pressure control mechanism may be a pump or other valve that couples to an external pump.

[0055] The pull-tab 52 extends outwardly from the body 14. A distal portion of the tab 52 extends beyond the adhesive layer 32. To remove the device 10, a user may grip the distalportion of the pull-tab 52 and pull the pull-tab 52 to remove the device 10 from the breast 64 of the individual.

[0056] To attach the device 10 to the breast of an individual, a protective layer disposed on a bottom surface 56 of the adhesive layer 32 may be removed. In Fig. 6, the body 14 is placed over a nipple 60 of the breast 64 of an individual and the adhesive layer 32 is applied against a skin surface 68 of the individual. The nipple and all or part of the areola of the individual are disposed inside the cavity 18 of the body 14. The one-way valve 48 may open to release air disposed between the skin surface and the interior surface 26 of the body 14 to create a negative pressure inside the cover 10. Once attached, the device 10 creates a watertight seal with the skin surface 68 of the individual and may prevent any liquid flow into and out of the device 10 so long as the device 10 is intact and fully adhered to the surface applied.

[0057] The body 14 shields a plurality of potentially open channels 72 (e.g., lactiferous ducts) from the external environment. For example, the body 14 may seal the ducts of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) when the breast is submerged under water. The liquid indicator 44 changes opacity in <1 second after contact with water (with a deviation of + / - 1 second depending on the amount of water that has leaked under the body 14).

[0058] The size and shape of the body 14 are designed to provide a watertight seal but avoid firm adhesion and injury to the sensitive tissue of the areola and surrounding breast skin during cover removal. The material is flexible to evenly distribute across the skin and adapt to various shapes and forms. The body 14 may be a flexible, moldable, elastic, and water-resistant material or materials, such as silicone, latex, rubber, polymer, hydrophobic fabric, or a combination of materials. The body 14 and adhesive layer 32 may be reusable and washable. In some examples, the body may have one or more layers of material.

[0059] The adhesive layer 32 may be biocompatible, flexible, self-adhering, and selected for effective sealing, temperature durability, environmental stress resistance, strong adhesion to human skin, structural stability across varying temperatures, and a capable of maintaining a watertight seal under realistic conditions. For example, the adhesive is configured to maintain adhesion to the skin surface during various forms of activity, friction, moisture (e.g., environments of high humidity, sweat, or submerged underwater). The adhesive layer 32 may be hypoallergenic and flexible to conform to various breast sizes and curvatures. In some examples, the adhesive material is closed-form, such as, for example Dimora Medical’s closed adhesive. In other examples, the adhesive material may be a sterile antimicrobial adhesive such as 3M™ loban™, available from 3M Company of Maplewood, MN. The adhesive layer is configured to maintain adherence to a patient’s skin when fluids areintroduced, while also being sensitive and non-irritating to the skin of the patient when the device is removed.

[0060] While the breast protection device 10 of Figs. 1-6 has been described as using both adhesive and suction to attach the breast protection device 10 to a breast of an individual, in other examples, a breast protection device may attach to the individual using just adhesive or just suction. Additionally, while the breast protection device 10 of Figs. 1-6 has been described as having an adhesive layer 32 with a jagged profile, in other examples, the adhesive layer of the breast protection device may be oval, circular, elliptical, or other rounded shape. For example, another example breast protection device 110 in Figs. 7-9 has a circular adhesive layer 132 for attaching a body 114 to a skin surface of a breast of an individual. For ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the breast protection device 110 will retain the same reference numbers as outlined above with respect to the breast protection device 10, although the reference numbers will be increased by 100.

[0061] The breast protection device 110 in Fig. 7 has multiple concentric layers that are sealably coupled to form an integrated, water-tight breast protection device or cover 110.The device 110 has a body 114 and an adhesive layer 132 for attaching the body 114 to a skin surface 168 of a breast 164 of an individual. The body 114 has a nipple cover 174 and a collar 178. The adhesive layer 132 extends outwardly from an edge 122 of the collar 178. The nipple cover 174 comprises an open end 182, a closed end 186, a wall 190 extending between the open end 182 and the closed end 186. A cavity 1 18 is at least partially defined by the wall 190 and the closed end 186 and is sized and shaped to surround a nipple 160 of the breast 164 of the individual. The cavity 118 of the nipple cover 174 is configured to accommodate or receive a protruding nipple 160 without compressing the nipple 160 when the device 110 is attached to the breast 164. An interior surface 126 of the nipple cover 174 may be coated with a layer of water-repellant material, such as, for example, petroleum jelly, that accommodates uneven skin surfaces at the tip of the nipple 160 and seals any open ducts in the breast 164. In the illustrated example, the nipple cover 174 has separate layers that are sealably coupled to each other during device assembly. However, in other examples, the nipple cover 174 may be an integrally formed component that is configured to sealably couple to the collar 178 during assembly.

[0062] The collar 178 radially and axially extends from the open end 182 of the nipple cover 174 and is configured to flexibly engage with the skin surface 168 of the breast 164. An interior surface 126 of the collar 178 may be partially or entirely coated with a fluidmoisture indicator 144. As shown in Fig. 7, the collar 178 has a central aperture 196 through which the wall 190 of the nipple cover 174 extends. In some examples, the nipple cover 174 and the collar 178 may be an integrally formed body 114.

[0063] The adhesive layer 132 extends radially outward from a circumference 122 of the collar 178 and is configured to create a watertight seal with the skin surface 168 surrounding an areola 170 of the breast 164. The adhesive layer 132 has a central aperture 194, as shown in Fig. 7, through which the body 114 of the device 110 extends. As shown in Fig. 8, the collar 178 overlaps with the open end 182 of the nipple cover 174, and the adhesive layer 132 overlaps with the edge 122 of the collar 178. So configured, when the circumference of the adhesive layer 132 adheres to the skin surface, the cavity 118 is of the nipple cover 174 is sealed from the external environment.

[0064] The breast protection device 110 of Figs. 7-9 has multiple concentric overlapping layers. During assembly of the device 110, the closed end 186 is sealably coupled or fixed to the wall 190 of the nipple cover 174. The central aperture 196 of the collar 178 is placed over the nipple cover 174 so that the closed end 186 and the wall 190 at least partially extend through the aperture 196. The collar 178 is sealably coupled or fixed to the wall 190 proximal to the open end 182 of the nipple cover 174. Next, the central aperture 194 of the adhesive layer 132 is placed over the body 114 such that the nipple cover 174 and collar 178 at least partially extend through the aperture 194 of the adhesive layer 132. In other examples, the adhesive layer 132 may have an uninterrupted body that entirely covers the nipple cover 174 and the collar 178. In yet another example, the device 1 10 may have two or more adhesive layers and one or more rings of fluid indicator 144.

[0065] While the adhesive layers 32, 132 of the breast protection devices 10, 110 in Figs. 1-9 have been described as extending from the edge or circumference of the body 14, 114, in other examples, the adhesive layer may extend over the closed end of the body 14, 114. For example, other example breast protection devices 210, 310 in Figs. 10-13 may adhere to the skin surface of an individual by placing a layer of adhesive 232, 332 over a body 214 to attach the body 214 to a breast of an individual. For ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the breast protection device 210, 310 will retain the same reference numbers as outlined above with respect to the breast protection device 110, although the reference numbers will be increased by 100 and 200, respectively.

[0066] In Figs. 10 and 11, an example breast protection device 214 has an integrated nipple cover 274 and collar 278. In Fig. 10, the nipple cover 274 protrudes axially from a central location relative to the collar 278. In Fig. 11, an interior side 226 of the body 214 isconcave with a central indentation forming a cavity 118 to accommodate a protruding nipple of a breast. A polygonal circumference 222 of the body 214 defines a plurality of petals 240, and each petal 240 has an interior flattened distal edge 298 that is configured to engage with a skin surface of the breast. The petals 240 provide the body 214 added flexibility to adapt to various breast shapes and sizes. In Figs. 12-13, another breast protection device 310 has a body 314 with a flower-shaped profile 322 and an adhesive layer 332 with a flower-shaped profile 336.

[0067] While the breast protection devices 10, 110, 210, 310 in Figs. 1-13 may be applied by a user directly to the breast of the individual, in other examples, the breast protection device may be paired with a breast cover (<?.g., an undergarment). For example, in Figs. 14 and 15, a removable breast cover 400 incorporates a breast protection device 410 (e.g., the breast protection devices 10, 1 10, 210, 310 of Figs. 1-13) into a body 404 of the cover 400. In Fig. 16, an undergarment 500 includes breast protection devices 510A, 510B (e.g., the breast protection devices 10, 110, 210, 310 of Figs. 1-13) coupled to an interior side 504 of the undergarment 500. Each of the breast covers 400, 500 in Figs. 14-16 provides an additional protective barrier to the breast protection device 410, 510.

[0068] In some examples, the breast protection devices 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 described herein may be equipped with additional detection or imaging capabilities to monitor the health of the individual. For example, the breast protection device 510 of Fig. 16 includes a flexible, skin-safe, waterproof patch 550 embedded with one or more sensors configured to detect early signs of inflammation, which are indicative of breast cancer development and cancer indicators (e.g., cancer DNA fragments, protein, lysosomes). The patch 550, which may be attached to an interior surface of the body, nipple cover, collar, or adhesive layer of the device 510, may be configured to measure cancer indicators from small fluid volumes released from a milk duct with cancer by an electrochemical technique and wirelessly transmit data to a mobile app, which could alert a patient and / or healthcare provider if signs of concern are detected. In one example, a sensor may be embedded in the collar for placement against a skin surface, and may be configured to detect pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha and IL-6, or c-reactive protein. The sensor may be incorporated into any one of the other breast protection devices 10, 110, 210, 310, 410.

[0069] In other examples, the breast protection devices 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 described herein may be used during a mammogram exam. For example, the sensor 550 of the device 510 of Fig. 16 may use screen film mammography and computer aided detection to focus on the duct system when evaluating potential damage or signs of tumor formation inthe patient. The device 510 may involve training a program to detect tumors and pinpoint locations of potential tumors more accurately than humans. The sensor may be incorporated into any one of the other breast protection devices 10, 110, 210, 310, 410.

[0070] In other examples the adhesive layer may be integrated with the body or collar to form an inseparable, multi-layer device. However, in other examples, the body or collar may have an adhesive coating on an interior side facing the patient.

[0071] While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any disclosure or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular examples of particular disclosures. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate examples can also be implemented in combination in a single example. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single example can also be implemented in multiple examples separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described herein as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0072] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system modules and components in the examples described herein should not be understood as requiring such separation in all examples, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0073] Particular examples of the subject matter have been described. Other examples are within the scope of the following claims. For example, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. As one example, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A breast protection device comprising: a nipple cover comprising an open end, a closed end, a wall extending between the open end and the closed end, and a cavity at least partially defined by the wall and the closed end, wherein the cavity is sized and shaped to surround a nipple of a breast of an individual; a collar radially extending from a circumferential edge of the nipple cover, wherein the collar is configured to flexibly engage with a skin surface of the breast; and an adhesive layer extending radially outward from a circumference of the collar, wherein the adhesive layer is configured to create a watertight seal with the skin surface of the breast.

2. The breast protection device of claim 1, wherein the nipple cover is configured such that when the breast protection device attaches to the breast of the individual, the nipple of the breast of the individual does not engage with the closed end of the nipple cover.

3. The breast protection device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the nipple cover and the collar are integrally formed.

4. The breast protection device of any one of claims 1 through 3. comprising: an indicator coupled to the nipple cover. wherein the indicator is configured to visually change when exposed to liquid penetrating the cavity of the nipple cover.

5. The breast protection device of claim 4, wherein the indicator is configured to change in color, opacity, or pigmentation in when exposed to liquid.

6. The breast protection device of any one of claims 1 through 5. wherein the adhesive layer extends over the closed end of the nipple cover.

7. The breast protection device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the breast protection device is configured such that when the adhesive layer attaches to the skin surface of the individual, the cavity is sealed from an external environment.

8. The breast protection device of any one of the preceding claims, comprising an undergarment configured to be worn over one or more breasts of the individual, wherein the nipple cover, the collar, and the adhesive are coupled to the undergarment.

9. The breast protection device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collar has a polygonally-shaped profile.

10. A breast protection device comprising: a body adapted to fit over a nipple of a breast of an individual, the body comprising: an interior cavity sized to receive at least a portion of the nipple; and an edge defining a polygonal shape of the body; and an adhesive layer extending outwardly from the edge of the body, wherein the breast protection device is configured such that the adhesive layer is configured to form a watertight seal (a) against a skin surface of the breast away from the nipple of the breast of the individual, and (b) around the edge of the body.

11. The breast protection device of claim 10, comprising: an indicator coupled to the body. wherein the indicator is configured to change when exposed to liquid penetrating the cavity.

12. The breast protection device of claim 11, wherein the indicator is configured to change in color, opacity, or pigmentation.

13. The breast protection device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the breast protection device is waterproof.

14. The breast protection device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the breast protection device is configured such that when the adhesive layer attaches to the skin surface of the individual, the cavity is sealed from an external environment.

15. The breast protection device of any one of the preceding claims, comprising an undergarment configured to be worn over one or more breasts of the individual, wherein the nipple cover, the collar, and the adhesive are coupled to the undergarment.

16. A breast protection device comprising: a body comprising a cavity, an edge, an interior surface at least partially defining the cavity, and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface, the canty is sized to receive a portion of a breast of an individual; an adhesive layer extending outwardly relative to the edge of the body; an indicator coupled to the body and configured to react to liquid; and a one-way valve coupled to the body and in fluid communication with the cavity. wherein the one-way valve is configured to release air from inside the cavity to create a vacuum in the cavity.

17. The breast protection device of claim 16, wherein the adhesive layer has a polygonally-shaped profile.

18. The breast protection device of claim 16 or 17, wherein the body is domeshaped.

19. The breast protection device of any one of claims 16 through 18, comprising a pull-tab extending outwardly from the body.

20. The breast protection device of any one of claims 16 through 19, wherein the valve is radially offset from a center point of the body.

21. The breast protection device of any one of the preceding claims, comprising a sensor configured to detect pro-inflammatory cytokines.

22. The breast protection device of any one of the preceding claims, comprising a sensor configured to detect cancer indicators from a fluid.

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