Study reveals significant reduction in delayed breast cancer diagnoses with AI-assisted mammography screening, by 12%.
A groundbreaking trial involving 100,000 Swedish women has found that incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into breast cancer screening significantly reduces the rate of late-stage diagnoses. According to the research published in The Lancet, mammography screenings supported by AI resulted in a 12% decrease in subsequent cancer diagnoses compared to standard readings by two radiologists.
The AI system was used to analyze mammograms and assign low-risk cases for single review and high-risk cases for double review by radiologists, as well as highlighting suspicious findings. The results showed that nearly four out of five (81%) cancer cases were detected at the screening stage in the AI-assisted group, compared to just under three-quarters (74%) in the control group.
Furthermore, the study found that 27% fewer aggressive sub-type cancers were diagnosed in the AI-assisted mammography group. The researchers believe this technology could help detect cancers at an early stage, which is crucial for successful treatment.
However, experts caution that introducing AI into healthcare must be done cautiously, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring and testing of AI tools to ensure their impact on screening programs varies over time.
Breast cancer remains a leading cause of death in women aged 35-50, with over two million new cases diagnosed annually globally. While this study shows promising results, researchers stress that human radiologists are still necessary to perform readings with AI support.
"This trial has shown that AI-assisted mammography can be more efficient and effective at detecting cancers," said Dr. Sowmiya Moorthie of Cancer Research UK. "However, we need further research to confirm these findings and ensure this technology is used safely and effectively."
Breast Cancer Now's Chief Scientific Officer Simon Vincent highlights the significance of AI in breast cancer screening: "This trial demonstrates the potential for AI to support radiologists in detecting cancers at an early stage, which could significantly improve treatment outcomes." Trials exploring AI use within the NHS breast screening system are underway to determine the safest and most effective way to integrate these tools.
A groundbreaking trial involving 100,000 Swedish women has found that incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into breast cancer screening significantly reduces the rate of late-stage diagnoses. According to the research published in The Lancet, mammography screenings supported by AI resulted in a 12% decrease in subsequent cancer diagnoses compared to standard readings by two radiologists.
The AI system was used to analyze mammograms and assign low-risk cases for single review and high-risk cases for double review by radiologists, as well as highlighting suspicious findings. The results showed that nearly four out of five (81%) cancer cases were detected at the screening stage in the AI-assisted group, compared to just under three-quarters (74%) in the control group.
Furthermore, the study found that 27% fewer aggressive sub-type cancers were diagnosed in the AI-assisted mammography group. The researchers believe this technology could help detect cancers at an early stage, which is crucial for successful treatment.
However, experts caution that introducing AI into healthcare must be done cautiously, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring and testing of AI tools to ensure their impact on screening programs varies over time.
Breast cancer remains a leading cause of death in women aged 35-50, with over two million new cases diagnosed annually globally. While this study shows promising results, researchers stress that human radiologists are still necessary to perform readings with AI support.
"This trial has shown that AI-assisted mammography can be more efficient and effective at detecting cancers," said Dr. Sowmiya Moorthie of Cancer Research UK. "However, we need further research to confirm these findings and ensure this technology is used safely and effectively."
Breast Cancer Now's Chief Scientific Officer Simon Vincent highlights the significance of AI in breast cancer screening: "This trial demonstrates the potential for AI to support radiologists in detecting cancers at an early stage, which could significantly improve treatment outcomes." Trials exploring AI use within the NHS breast screening system are underway to determine the safest and most effective way to integrate these tools.