A new study reveals that artificial intelligence can play a crucial role in the detection of breast cancer. The research, conducted by the Department of Computer Science at the University of Copenhagen in collaboration with the Capital Region’s breast cancer screening program, shows that the use of AI technology in combination with specialized doctors’ expertise leads to a significant increase in the number of detected breast cancer cases.
In the study, radiologists analyzed an average of 10,000 screenings and identified 70 cases of breast cancer. When AI was integrated into the screening process, the number of detected cases increased to 82 – an increase of 12 cases. This result is considered statistically significant, indicating that it is not just random variations that have led to the improved results.
Postdoc Andreas Lauritzen from the Department of Computer Science, who is the first author of the study, emphasizes that the combination of AI and experienced specialists not only increases the number of detected breast cancer cases, but also reduces the number of false positive results. “In combination with the assessment of experienced specialists, more cases of breast cancer in early stages are found and fewer false positive results than before AI was introduced,” Lauritzen explains.
In Denmark, women aged 50 to 69 are offered screening for breast cancer every two years. This study suggests that the integration of artificial intelligence into screening programs can improve early detection and potentially save more lives.