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Researchers have indicated the use of AI in breast cancer screening increases the chances of detecting the disease.
There have been claims that AI could assist clinicians in combating cancer cases, but much of this has been based on retrospective work.
This real-time development appears to be a breakthrough as AI has been used from the outset in a nationwide screening program.
As detailed by the New Scientist, Professor Alexander Katalinic has co-authored a study at the University of Lubeck in Germany which has made forward strides.
“We could improve the detection rate without increasing the harm for the women taking part in breast cancer screening,” said the professor, who also noted the process would reduce the workload of radiologists.
In over 460,000 women throughout Germany, #AI second readings of mammograms led to improved breast cancer detection, a lower recall rate, and significantly reduced workloadhttps://t.co/pXEOxkFQbe @NatureMedicine open-access pic.twitter.com/JwwlODxfoa
— Eric Topol (@EricTopol) January 7, 2025
Detection rate increased with use of AI
The team led by Katalinic poured over data from 461,818 asymptomatic women in Germany, aged 50-69, who received breast cancer screening between July 2021 and February 2023.
All the women who underwent the screening had their scans assessed independently by two radiologists, but for 260,739 of those involved, at least one of the experts was assisted by AI tech.
Ultimately, 2881 of the women in the study were diagnosed with breast cancer, but the detection rate was found to be 6.7% higher in the AI group.
The study outlined how one additional case of cancer was brought to light, per 1000 women screened, when AI was utilized.
“In our study, we had a higher detection rate without having a higher rate of false positives,” said Professor Katalinic.
“This is a better result, with the same harm.”
Image credit: Via Midjourney
