A recent study conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) has shown that artificial intelligence (AI) can identify women at an increased risk of developing breast cancer several years before a formal diagnosis.
Researchers from FHI, along with experts from the University of California and the University of Washington, analyzed mammograms from 116,495 women who participated in a breast cancer detection program in Norway between 2004 and 2018. Out of these participants, 1,607 were later diagnosed with breast cancer.
The AI algorithm was successful in predicting which women were at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, and it even indicated which breast was more likely to be affected, doing so four to six years prior to a formal diagnosis. Solveig Hofvind, head of the detection program and AI project, stated, “We noted that the breast that developed cancer had an AI score about twice as high as the other breast.” This study highlights that commercially available AI algorithms can be utilized to create more personalized detection programs.
FHI mentioned that AI has the potential to revolutionize early breast cancer detection by reducing costs and effectively targeting at-risk populations. Early intervention could enhance treatment outcomes and potentially save lives.
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, 670,000 women died from breast cancer in 2022.
The study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Network, which includes a selection of prestigious medical journals. Furthermore, Norway’s detection program launched a project last year involving 140,000 women to assess whether AI could match or exceed the performance of radiologists in diagnosing cancer cases.
As AI technology continues to advance, its integration into healthcare systems could lead to significant improvements in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer.
Source:AFP
