mammograms May Soon Offer a Hidden Health Check: Cardiovascular Risk Detection
PARIS – Routine breast cancer screenings using mammography could soon expand to include an assessment of a woman’s cardiovascular risk, thanks to a new artificial intelligence algorithm developed by researchers at the Institut Gustave Roussy in France. The innovation promises a “two-in-one” diagnostic tool, potentially streamlining healthcare and offering earlier detection of heart disease – a leading cause of death for women globally.
While traditionally focused on identifying signs of breast cancer, the AI analyzes patterns within mammograms to predict cardiovascular risk, eliminating the need for extensive medical histories or additional testing. This advancement is notably important as cardiovascular disease often presents differently in women than in men, and can be overlooked. The model’s accuracy is currently being evaluated against established risk scores like the Framingham Risk Score (used in the US) and the New Zealand/Australian risk prediction tool, and also the American PREVENT calculator.
The research team highlights the efficiency gains this approach could deliver for both patients and healthcare systems. According to a press release, the algorithm ”does not require anamnesis [medical history] nor data of additional medical records and that it is indeed based on an existing risk screening process widely used by women.” This means a screening already in place for one life-threatening condition could together flag another, prompting further examination and potentially life-saving interventions.
Currently, in France, women aged 50 to 74 are eligible for breast cancer screening mammography every two years, fully covered by national health insurance. However, before the AI algorithm is integrated into standard practice, further research is planned to validate its effectiveness and ensure reliable risk assessment. The potential for widespread implementation hinges on confirming these results and establishing clear clinical guidelines for utilizing the new cardiovascular risk data derived from mammograms.
