A Swedish study published in the scientific journal The Lancet examined how artificial intelligence can be used in breast cancer screening.
According to CBC News, more than 100,000 women participated in the study.
Half of the women had their mammograms assessed with the help of artificial intelligence, while the rest were screened using the standard European method, in which two radiologists review the images.
The result was that the group using artificial intelligence had fewer cases of interval cancer.
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Interval cancer refers to cancer that develops between two scheduled screening examinations.
The study showed that these cases were reduced by 12 percent, equivalent to 11 fewer cases, when artificial intelligence was used.
Interval cancer
Interval cancer is often detected later than other breast cancers and can be more aggressive.
According to CBC News, these cases are typically more difficult to treat and are associated with poorer prognoses.
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Dr. Jean Seely from the Ottawa Hospital explained to CBC News that interval cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.
As a result, treatment can be very costly and place a significant burden on the healthcare system.
She emphasized that artificial intelligence can function as an additional safeguard, helping radiologists focus on the images that carry the highest risk.
Differences between countries
In Sweden, mammography screening is offered to women between the ages of 40 and 74 at intervals of 18 to 24 months.
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In Canada, screening most often takes place every two years, and mammograms are usually assessed by only one radiologist.
The point of the Swedish study is therefore not only the technology itself. It also shows how artificial intelligence can change the way screening is organized.
The study’s lead author, Kristina Lång, stressed to CBC News that there is now a need to examine whether the solution is also economically sustainable in the long term.
Sources: CBC News, and The Lancet.
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