The implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in breast screening has yielded significant results, according to a major study. The use of AI in a national breast cancer screening program has the potential to improve accuracy and efficiency. In a study involving over 80,000 women, AI-supported screening detected 20% more cancers compared to the standard practice of double reading mammograms by radiologists. Importantly, AI did not increase false positives. Further trials are needed, but experts believe that AI could become an essential tool in future screening, enhancing detection rates and increasing capacity. The study, conducted in Sweden, analyzed screening results from April 2021 to July 2022, with half the women receiving standard care and the other half being assessed by AI followed by radiologists. The AI-supported group identified 244 cases of cancer, while the standard screening group recalled 203 women. The incidence of false positives was the same for both groups. The results showed a 44% reduction in the workload of radiologists in the AI-supported group, suggesting that AI could alleviate the current shortage of radiologists in the healthcare system. Dr. Kristina Lång, the lead researcher, stated that AI has the potential to halve the workload of radiographers. While AI still requires a radiologist for detection, it could eliminate the need for double reading of most mammograms, reducing the pressure on radiologists and shortening waiting times for patients. The final trial results, which will evaluate AI’s impact on detecting cancers between screenings, are expected in the coming years. Experts have hailed these findings as exciting and believe that AI, combined with expert specialists, will be a powerful force in patient care. Dr. Katharine Halliday, President of the Royal College of Radiologists, highlighted the promise of AI in maximizing efficiency and supporting decision-making. Dr. Kotryna Temcinaite, head of research communications at Breast Cancer Now, expressed anticipation for the final results of the Swedish trial while emphasizing the need to address current issues in the UK’s breast screening program. She also emphasized the importance of preparing the program for future innovations like AI. Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay praised the potential of AI to transform healthcare and expressed his commitment to exploring ways to harness its power to provide better and more efficient care. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, affecting more than two million women each year. In the UK, there are over 55,000 new cases annually, resulting in 11,500 deaths. The US sees 266,000 new cases each year, with 40,000 fatalities. The exact cause of breast cancer is still unknown, but risk factors such as genetics can increase the chances of developing the disease. The most common symptom is a painless lump in the breast, although most lumps are benign. Breast cancer can be diagnosed through examinations, mammography, and biopsies. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy, often used in combination. The success of treatment depends on early detection and intervention. Routine mammography for women aged 50 to 70 has improved the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer at an early stage.
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