A recent study from Sweden has shown that artificial intelligence (AI) may enhance the detection of certain aggressive breast cancers that are challenging to identify through traditional methods like mammograms. The research found that when AI was used to aid radiologists in interpreting mammograms, the detection rate of breast cancers increased, leading to a decrease in advanced and aggressive cases.
The study, published in The Lancet, involved over 100,000 women undergoing mammography screenings in Sweden. Half of the participants had their screenings supported by AI, while the other half had their mammograms reviewed by two radiologists—a practice known as double reading, commonly used in Europe but not as prevalent in Canada.
The research focused on interval cancer rates, referring to invasive tumors that emerge between routine mammograms and are often more challenging to detect, with a higher likelihood of aggression and poor prognosis. The study revealed a 12% decrease in interval cancers in the group that received AI-supported screenings.
Dr. Kristina Lång, the lead author and a breast radiologist at Lynn University in Malmo, Sweden, expressed optimism about the study’s outcomes, emphasizing the significant reduction in interval cancers as a positive development. She highlighted the promising results and underscored the potential of AI in improving breast cancer screening effectiveness.
In Canada, breast cancer diagnosis statistics indicate that around 30,500 individuals were diagnosed in 2024. The country’s screening recommendations vary by region, with some provinces offering screenings for individuals aged 40 and above, while others follow different protocols. The study’s results suggest that AI technology could play a crucial role in enhancing early cancer detection and potentially reducing healthcare costs associated with advanced-stage treatments.
Dr. Jean Seely, an expert in breast imaging at the Ottawa Hospital and a professor at the University of Ottawa, emphasized the cost-saving and life-saving benefits of AI-assisted mammography. Dr. Gerald Batist, an oncologist from Montreal, echoed the importance of investing in AI solutions for breast imaging, emphasizing the need for healthcare systems to adapt quickly to technological advancements to improve cancer detection and patient outcomes.