Artificial intelligence (AI) is making significant strides in transforming the field of healthcare, particularly in breast cancer screenings. Recent studies and research have highlighted the benefits of AI in improving breast cancer detection and predicting outcomes for invasive breast cancer cases.
- Enhanced Breast Cancer Detection: Preliminary results from a study conducted earlier this year demonstrated that physicians assisted by AI in mammography screening were able to detect 20% more breast cancers. This indicates that AI can serve as an additional tool to improve the accuracy of cancer detection, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
- Outcome Prediction in Invasive Breast Cancer: Research conducted by Northwestern Medicine, published in the journal Nature Medicine, has shown that AI can be used to predict outcomes in invasive breast cancer cases. This capability could have significant implications for treatment decisions, potentially allowing physicians to spare breast cancer patients from unnecessary chemotherapy treatments.
Tehillah Harris, a patient with a family history of breast cancer, sees these AI tools as an additional set of eyes to assist in her regular screenings. Her mother passed away from breast cancer, and she is eager to leverage any technology that can enhance early detection.
AI’s role in breast cancer screening involves analyzing mammograms and breast sonograms. AI algorithms classify mammograms into three risk levels: low, intermediate, and elevated. This risk assessment aids physicians in prioritizing further evaluation for high-risk cases.
AI is also used to read breast sonograms, where it can quickly analyze and provide insights into the scans. However, it is important to note that radiologists continue to review the scans to ensure accuracy.
Dr. Laurie Margolies, the director of breast imaging at Mount Sinai, emphasizes that AI is a valuable tool but not a replacement for human doctors. While AI can provide assessments based on data analysis, it lacks empathy and the ability to consider patients’ individual circumstances, family history, and emotional support.
Patients like Tehillah Harris appreciate the benefits of AI in breast cancer screenings but still value the human touch provided by their healthcare providers. The combination of AI’s analytical capabilities and the expertise of healthcare professionals ensures a comprehensive and personalized approach to breast cancer detection and treatment.
In summary, AI is playing a crucial role in improving breast cancer screenings by enhancing detection rates and predicting outcomes. While AI serves as a valuable tool in the healthcare field, it is viewed as a complement to human medical professionals, ensuring a holistic and patient-centered approach to breast cancer care.