A recent study from UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center has found that Artificial Intelligence (AI) could play a big role in detecting a type of breast cancer that usually goes unnoticed—interval breast cancer. This cancer appears between regular screening appointments and is often more advanced and harder to treat by the time it’s found.
The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, shows that AI can flag subtle signs of breast cancer that human radiologists might miss during a mammogram. This means earlier detection, less aggressive treatment, and better outcomes for patients.
What is Interval Breast Cancer?
These are cancers that show up between routine screenings. They can be:
- Missed by radiologists,
- Have very light or subtle signs on the mammogram,
- Or be completely invisible (occult).
How AI Helped
Researchers used a tool called Transpara, a commercial AI software, to analyze nearly 185,000 past mammograms (both 2D and 3D) from 2010 to 2019. They found:
- AI flagged 76% of cancers missed during the first screening.
- It identified 90% of visible cancers that radiologists overlooked.
- It even caught 69% of cancers invisible to the human eye.
Though not perfect, AI proved to be a valuable second set of eyes for radiologists. It helped detect even faint or subtle signs of cancer that otherwise may go unnoticed.
What It Means for Doctors
AI could support radiologists, not replace them. It offers:
- A second opinion,
- Early cancer detection,
- Better screening outcomes.
At The Doctorpreneur Academy, we believe in the power of digital health tools like AI to transform how healthcare professionals diagnose and treat patients. Tools like these can save lives, reduce patient suffering, and boost confidence in early diagnosis.
You can learn more about how AI and digital innovation are changing healthcare by visiting our website: The Doctorpreneur Academy
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