A woman from Littlehampton, West Sussex, is “deeply grateful” to artificial intelligence (AI) for detecting her breast cancer. Sheila Tooth, 68, had a routine mammogram at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSussex). While her scan had previously been given the all-clear, AI technology identified cancerous cells that were almost undetectable by human readers.
Sheila was relieved that the cancer was found early. “I’m deeply grateful for it to have been caught so early,” she said. “When I talk to friends, we just can’t believe this AI can detect what the human eye can’t always see. I just feel so lucky.”
The Role of AI in Breast Cancer Detection
UHSussex is one of 15 trusts in the UK participating in a project to integrate AI into breast cancer screening. The initiative aims to enhance the detection of cancer by using AI to analyze mammograms, improving the accuracy of diagnoses.
During the two-month project, more than 12,000 mammograms were reviewed using AI, including those that were initially deemed “normal.” The AI software flagged about 10% of these scans for a re-read by a clinical panel to catch any cancers missed by initial screenings.
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After further review, 11 women were called back for additional tests. Five of them were diagnosed with breast cancer, with Sheila among them.
AI Increases Accuracy, Reduces Missed Diagnoses
Dr. Olga Strukowska, a consultant radiologist at the West Sussex breast screening programme, expressed excitement over the potential of AI. “The earlier and more accurately we detect cancer, the better the chance our patients will have a positive outcome,” she said. She emphasized that AI helps to increase accuracy and reduce the number of missed cancers, while also lowering false positives.
The use of AI in breast cancer screenings allows radiologists to make more confident, accurate diagnoses. It empowers screening services to deliver timely results and promotes high-quality care for patients.
Potential Life-Saving Technology
Sheila’s experience highlights the importance of early cancer detection. She believes that without AI, her cancer could have developed into invasive cancer later in life. “Being 68, this may have been my last mammogram,” Sheila said. “My early cancer might have developed into invasive cancer in my 70s.”
In Sussex alone, around 650 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year following their routine screenings. The programme invites women aged 50 to 71 for a screening every three years, helping to detect cancer in its early stages when treatment is most effective.
Next Steps for AI in Screening
Following the success of the AI project, UHSussex plans to participate in a national randomised controlled trial to further integrate AI into breast screening. This trial is expected to pave the way for wider adoption of AI technology in breast cancer detection across the UK.
With AI’s proven ability to detect early signs of cancer, it could become a crucial tool in the fight against breast cancer, offering a more accurate and efficient way to save lives.
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