A radiologist looks at digital X-rays in the research unit of the Breast Cancer Population Research Foundation in Rotterdam. Photo: ANP
It is not the most fun activity to have a mammogram, but it is useful. After all, population screening helps in the early detection of breast cancer. This is already going so well in the Netherlands that the Health Council currently sees no opportunities for improvement. Except for one thing: if it is up to the council, AI will assess the scans in the future.
Women between the ages of 50 and 75 receive a call every two years to participate in breast cancer screening, which involves a scan of the breasts (mammography). This is going so well in the Netherlands that the Health Council sees no opportunities for improvement within the current screening capacity. “The council concludes that the population screening achieves its goal because the research reduces breast cancer mortality.” According to the council, it is therefore not necessary to adjust the age limits of the target group.
AI may be able to help find tumors
Yet things can be even better, as the advice shows. In a few years, it could therefore happen that AI will assess your mammography. The technology can help find suspicious spots, possibly tumors. According to the Health Council, AI is currently just as good at this as humans.
“In a few years, the council expects sufficient scientific substantiation for the use of AI,” the Health Council said. “Because developments surrounding AI are moving rapidly, the council recommends making preparations now for its implementation.”
Mammography viewed by two radiologists
Currently, each mammogram must be viewed by two radiologists. If artificial intelligence filters out the images that do not show any abnormalities, radiologists therefore have to assess fewer images. Then they can look even more closely, according to the council. And if AI does find a suspicious spot on an image, the radiologists can then check it.
In addition, AI can also help to better identify which women are at greater risk of breast cancer. They could then be checked more often, and others less often.
No less painful scan available yet
As for the mammography itself, which is experienced as painful by many women, no improvement is yet possible. According to the Health Council, there is not yet a test available that is less painful. Other ‘compression plates’ may make the images less clear, possibly causing a tumor to be missed.
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2024-03-12 14:39:00
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