AI reduces late breast cancer diagnoses by 12% in landmark study
Baku, February 3, AZERTAC
AI in breast cancer screening reduced late diagnoses by 12% and increased early detection rates in the largest trial of its kind, according to Digital Watch Observatory.
The Swedish study involved 100,000 women randomly assigned to AI-supported screening or standard radiologist readings between April 2021 and December 2022.
The AI system analysed mammograms and assigned low-risk cases to single readings and high-risk cases to double readings by radiologists.
Results published in The Lancet showed 1.55 cancers per 1,000 women in the AI group versus 1.76 in the control group, with 81% detected at the screening stage, compared with 74% in the control group.
Dr Kristina Lång from Lund University said AI-supported mammography could reduce radiologist workload pressures and improve early detection, but cautioned that implementation must be done carefully with continuous monitoring.
Researchers stressed that screening still requires at least one human radiologist working alongside AI, rather than AI replacing human radiologists. Cancer Research UK’s Dr Sowmiya Moorthie called the findings promising but noted more research is needed to confirm life-saving potential.
Breast Cancer Now’s Simon Vincent highlighted the significant potential for AI to support radiologists, emphasising that earlier diagnosis improves treatment outcomes for a disease that affects over 2 million people globally each year.
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