Study: early breast cancer detection significantly more successful thanks to AI
The extent to which artificial intelligence can improve the early detection of breast cancer during mammograms has been investigated in the USA.
Example of a suspected case that was detected with the help of AI
(Image: Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) und DeepHealth)
The use of artificial intelligence can apparently significantly improve the early detection of breast cancer. This is the conclusion of a study by the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). According to the study, the cancer detection rate was 21 percent higher through the use of AI alone. This was used to examine the mammography screening images for conspicuous areas in addition to the medical practitioner.
AI in mammography is therefore suitable as a "second pair of eyes" to support radiologists, according to a statement from the RSNA. The study has now been presented at its annual conference. AI can be used as a decision-making aid and for risk prediction and offers further advantages. If the radiologist and the AI were not in agreement, another radiologist was involved to review the images.
Health insurance companies do not pay for AI assistance
As a result of the AI detections, more women were called into the practices for further examinations. Often, the suspicion was confirmed so that treatment could be initiated quickly. A British study in spring also came to the conclusion that AI detects more tumors in breast cancer detection.
The study included the mammography screenings of 747,604 women who had an examination carried out in the USA over a period of 12 months. A significantly higher cancer detection rate was found in all ten clinical practices that took part. The AI-supported breast cancer screening had to be paid for by the women themselves, as the costs are not covered by health insurance companies.
Videos by heise
Researchers hope for further studies
"These data show that many women would like to use AI to improve their screening mammograms, and when AI is coupled with a safety check, more cancers are detected," said lead study author Dr. Gregory Sorensen, according to the press release. Overall, 36 percent of women who have access to AI-assisted screening would already opt for it.
In a next step, the researchers hope to be able to investigate the benefits of AI in more detail in a further study to obtain more reliable figures.
(mki)
