Using AI to screen for breast cancer

Using AI systems to screen for breast cancer

Using AI systems to screen for breast cancer

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Using artificial intelligence (AI) software and systems to diagnose breast cancer – this is no longer an idea, way off in the distant future. Oncologists and radiologists around the world now have the opportunity to partner with and benefit from AI.

A 2022 large-scale, retrospective observational study* investigated the potential use and effectiveness of using the Mia version 2.0.1 ‘AI system’, developed by Kheiron Medical Technologies for the screening and detection of breast cancer. Seven breast screening sites in Hungary and the United Kingdom took part in the study, using AI as an independent second reader in 275,900 breast cancer cases (177,882 participants). The outcomes of the study were positive and exciting:

  • AI contributed to reducing the workload of physicians and radiologists and could reduce demand on screening services
  • There was improvement of or at least maintenance of the double reading standard of care
  • AI may provide economic benefit as the double reading of mammograms by two specialists can be costly, especially with a shortage of qualified readers
  • The results of this study may generalise over to other screening programmes
  • The intention is that the introduction of AI will deliver a higher standard of care
  • Using AI in breast cancer screening may improve the accuracy of results, picking up what physicians may have missed; as a result, lives may be saved

AI systems are now being used in Hungary alongside human medical specialists. Scotland, Finland, England, and the United States are currently investigating the implementation of these AI systems.

There is a strong endorsement that AI should not replace professionals in oncology care; instead, two human specialists should assess the breast cancer scan and AI verify the diagnosis.

AI teamed with a specialist is likely to be more effective and accurate than a lone specialist at detecting breast cancer.

* Please note – “This article is a preprint and has not been peer-reviewed. It reports new medical research that has yet to be evaluated and so should not be used to guide clinical practice.”

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

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Maria Pearson