Key Takeaways
- Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used in conjunction with human expertise to detect breast tumors in their early stages, increasing the cure rate to 90% if caught when the tumor is two centimeters or less.
- The ICAD AI software has been shown to find 20% more cancers and detect them two to three years earlier than without the AI program.
- The use of AI reduces false positives and unnecessary callbacks by about 7%.
- The ICAD AI technology is available at various centers throughout Southern California, with an out-of-pocket cost of $50 to $100.
- Human expertise is still essential in conjunction with AI to get the most accurate reading.
Introduction to AI in Breast Cancer Detection
The early detection of breast cancer is crucial in increasing the chances of a successful treatment and cure. According to doctors, if radiologists can catch a breast tumor when it’s two centimeters or less, the cure rate is 90%. To achieve this, Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Orange is utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) in conjunction with human expertise to give radiologists an extra edge in detecting tumors in their early stages. As Dr. Kenneth Meng, a radiologist at the hospital, explained, "They have good data showing it finds 20% more cancers and cancers two to three years earlier than without the AI program."
A Personal Story of Early Detection
For 48-year-old Sahlee Corpus, the use of AI in breast cancer detection was a game-changer. After losing her mother to breast cancer, Corpus makes it a point to get yearly mammograms. Recently, she noticed an opportunity to have AI double-check her x-rays for an out-of-pocket cost of $50. The AI software developed by ICAD flagged a centimeter-sized lesion in Corpus’ mammogram that could have been missed. As Corpus recalled, "I said, ‘Well just, just tell me doctor.’ I know I’m going to have cancer. I feel like I’m going to have cancer, but I didn’t know that it’s going to be this soon." The early detection of her cancer has given her a good prognosis, and she is grateful for the use of AI in her diagnosis.
The Role of AI in Breast Cancer Detection
The ICAD AI algorithm has been used by Dr. Meng’s team for about a year, and they have seen dozens of cases where it has made a difference. The AI software is designed to detect subtle abnormalities that might get missed by human radiologists. As Dr. Meng explained, "It does take the AI and the radiologist together to get the best, most accurate reading." While one might think that the use of AI would increase anxiety for women due to the detection of more subtle abnormalities, studies have shown that this technology actually reduces false positives and unnecessary callbacks by about 7%. For example, in one case, AI flagged a tiny spot as 91% suspicious, but the human expertise of the radiologists recognized the lesion as scar tissue, not a tumor.
The Benefits of AI in Breast Cancer Detection
The use of AI in breast cancer detection has several benefits, including the early detection of tumors, reduction of false positives, and increased accuracy. As Dr. Meng noted, "I’ve seen now dozens of cases where it’s made a difference." The ICAD AI technology is available at various centers throughout Southern California, and the FDA has approved other AI programs for use as well. The added cost of using AI can vary from $50 to $100, but for many women, the peace of mind and increased chances of a successful treatment are well worth the cost. As Corpus advised, "Be proactive in managing your health."
The Future of AI in Breast Cancer Detection
The use of AI in breast cancer detection is a rapidly evolving field, with new technologies and algorithms being developed and approved for use. As the technology continues to improve, it is likely that we will see even more accurate and effective detection of breast tumors. The key to the successful use of AI in breast cancer detection is the combination of human expertise and AI technology. As Dr. Meng explained, "It does take the AI and the radiologist together to get the best, most accurate reading." By working together, radiologists and AI algorithms can provide women with the best possible chance of early detection and successful treatment of breast cancer.