A trial under way at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary is exploring whether artificial intelligence (AI) can assist radiologists in reviewing thousands of mammograms a year.

The pilot helped spot early-stage breast cancer for June - a healthcare assistant and participant in the trial - and she is now set to undergo surgery as a result.

Mammograms are low level X-rays used in breast cancer screenings to monitor and detect changes too small to see or feel

According to the NHS, they help save about 1,300 lives each year in the UK. And while the number of women who attended a routine breast screening, after an invitation, increased in Scotland in the three -year period to 2022, the number of radiologists to review results is shrinking.[1]

Figure 1. An AI experiment in Aberdeen helps in the detection of breast cancer

An AI experiment in Aberdeen helps in the detection of breast cancer is shown in figure 1. Mammograms, which are low-level X-rays used for breast cancer screenings, play a crucial role in monitoring and detecting subtle changes that may be too small to detect through physical examination. In the UK, they are estimated to save approximately 1,300 lives each year, according to the NHS.

Despite an increase in the number of women attending routine breast screenings in Scotland over a three-year period until 2022, there is a decline in the number of radiologists available to review the results.

AI, or artificial intelligence, involves computers performing tasks that traditionally require human intelligence.

While concerns about AI potentially leading to the downfall of humanity have grabbed headlines, its practical applications are already evident in healthcare.

Many scientists and doctors view AI as a powerful tool that can accelerate the process of drug discovery, disease diagnosis, and treatment, rather than a replacement for healthcare professionals.

Aberdeen Royal Infirmary's AI trial aims to address the shortage of radiologists. In Scotland, the number of screen-detected breast cancers among women of all ages increased to 1,830 between 2021 and 2022, based on data from Public Health Scotland (PHS). [2]

References:

1. https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-65821552
2. https://tech.seposts.com/2023/06/aberdeen-ai-trial-helps-doctors-spot.html

Cite this article:

Gokula Nandhini K (2023), An AI experiment in Aberdeen helps in the detection of breast cancer, Anatechmaz, pp.313