###### Abstract  
Background: Mammography is the preferred method for the diagnosis of breast cancer. However, this diagnostic technique fails to detect tumors of small sizes, and it does not work well for younger patients with high breast tissue density. Methods: This paper proposes a novel tool for the early detection of breast cancer, which is patient-specific, non-invasive, inexpensive, and has potential in terms of accuracy compared with existing techniques. The main principle of this method is based on the use of temperature contours from breast skin surfaces through thermography, and inverse thermal modeling based on Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and a Genetic Algorithm (GA)-based optimization tool to estimate the depths and sizes of tumors as well as patient/breast-specific tissue properties. Results: The study was conducted by using a 3D geometry of patients' breasts and their temperature contours, which were clinically collected using a 3D scanner and a thermal imaging infrared (IR) camera. Conclusion: The results showed that the combination of 3D breast geometries, thermal images, and inverse thermal modeling is capable of estimating patient/breast-specific breast tissue and physiological properties such as gland and fat contents, tissue density, thermal conductivity, specific heat, and blood perfusion rate, based on a multilayer model consisting of gland and fat. Moreover, this tool was able to calculate the depth and size of the tumor, which was validated by the doctor's diagnosis. finite element modelling; breast cancer; thermography; thermal modelling; genetic algorithm; Comsol Multiphysics; Livelink; MatLab +  
development process, patients with stages 2 and 3 of the disease were more common (84% in the compartment). This is due to the fact that stage 1 breast cancer is only determined during regular mammography checkup, without clinical manifestations. Major methods of breast cancer diagnosis are mammography, ultrasound investigation, MRI, and biopsy. The main purpose of a biopsy is to determine if the tumor is benign or malignant. It involves a microscopic and histochemical examination of a tissue sample. This procedure is carried out after the discovery of the tumor. Mammography is currently the most popular method. X-ray mammography is a classic version of mammography which has been used for several decades. X-ray mammography can be performed on a large number of women in a short time. This is ideal for mass preventive examinations. The procedure, which compresses the breast, is painful and uncomfortable. In addition, there are some limitations to its use. Firstly, this type of mammography is mainly recommended for older women above 40 years of age. This is because the images are more informative from this age due to the decrease in density of the glandular tissue of the mammary glands, which allow for the optimal transmission of X-ray radiation. This method is most effective for large tumors that are denser than surrounding tissues. Secondly, there is a potential threat of an adverse effect on a woman's  
Figure 1: Distribution of cancer incidence and mortality rate for both genders worldwide [5]. body, since this method uses ionizing radiation (X-rays). Therefore, it is recommended that X-ray mammography be performed no more than once a year. Ultrasound examination uses high-frequency acoustic waves. The method is used as the main complementary method for the diagnosis of breast diseases to determine whether the lump discovered is a cyst filled with liquid or a solid tumor. Ultrasound is more effective for younger patients as their mammary glands have denser structure. An MRI scan is best suited for young women who have a hereditary predisposition to breast cancer. Unlike mammography, magnetic resonance imaging is performed without X-ray radiation, and the effectiveness of MRI studies does not depend on the density of breast tissues. However, MRI is very expensive and can be found only in major hospitals of big cities. The diagnosis of cancer in its early stages is crucial for its treatment.