AI-assisted mammography

In a world that is rapidly embracing artificial intelligence (AI), the breast health sector is no exception. Image interpretation is just one of the areas where AI has been at the forefront of computerisation, and the prime target for its computerised analysis is mammography (which is essentially a two-dimensional image with only shades between black and white).

Mammography is the ‘gold standard’ for early detection, and in a major clinical trial published in ‘The Lancet Oncology’  in August 2023, it was shown that AI enhanced mammography interpretation is at least as good as human interpretation. The results of the study looking at AI-supported versus standard human double-reading of screening mammograms in 80,000 women showed that there was a trend towards more cancers being detected in the AI-enhanced group versus the human readers while there was no difference in the number of false positives.

This is a major breakthrough.

In screening mammography, there are two major problems.  One is, obviously, the risk of missing a breast cancer. The second, is the false positive. This is where a patient is told to come back for reassessment in 6 months or where a biopsy is performed, and the lesion is found to be benign.

Since mid-2024, Apffelstaedt, Hoosain & Associates have been working with the latest generation AI-enhanced mammography interpretation. Whilst prior systems had false positives while, on the other hand, missed some subtle cancers, AI-assisted mammography not only improved time efficiency but also the accuracy of mammography interpretation.

“I believe it’s crucial for all women, regardless of age or family history of cancer, to go for annual screenings,” says a patient who was diagnosed with breast cancer in her 30’s. “Early detection can make a significant difference. If you notice even the slightest lump or change, it’s important to get it checked out right away. It’s always better to be certain it’s nothing than to face a later diagnosis.”

As one of the most diagnosed cancers in the world, there is a global focus on continuing research to find treatments that allow those diagnosed with breast cancer to lead a normal life.  If found early, breast cancer has become a curable disease and AI-assisted mammography is great progress towards even further refining screening.