Tag

Mammography

All articles tagged with #mammography

Boston AI startup forecasts breast cancer risk from mammograms before tumors form
technology1 month ago

Boston AI startup forecasts breast cancer risk from mammograms before tumors form

Boston-based Clairity, led by radiologist Dr. Connie Lehman, has FDA authorization to use an AI system that analyzes mammograms to predict a woman's risk of developing breast cancer, enabling preventive actions and tailored screening. Trained on over 400,000 mammograms with five-year follow-ups and tested on 77,000 images, the deep neural network outperformed traditional risk calculators and could expand to younger ages and more diverse populations, though the model remains a 'black box' in parts; investors include ACE Global Equity and Santé Ventures as Boston's health-tech scene grows.

AI-assisted mammography detects more breast cancers earlier in landmark MASAI trial
health2 months ago

AI-assisted mammography detects more breast cancers earlier in landmark MASAI trial

A large Swedish MASAI trial (over 100,000 women aged 40–80) found AI-supported mammography identified more clinically relevant breast cancers and reduced interval cancers, with no rise in false positives, compared with standard double reading. The AI system acted as a second set of eyes, highlighting suspicious areas for radiologists and potentially easing workload, with implications for broader screening and plans for an Ethiopian trial to expand AI-assisted screening in low-resource settings.

AI-assisted mammography cuts later breast cancer diagnoses by 12% in large Swedish trial
health2 months ago

AI-assisted mammography cuts later breast cancer diagnoses by 12% in large Swedish trial

A Swedish randomized trial of 100,000 women found AI-assisted mammography reduced subsequent cancer diagnoses by 12% and increased cancers detected at screening (81% vs 74%), with 27% fewer aggressive subtypes. The study suggests AI can augment radiologists and improve early detection, but researchers caution it should augment rather than replace clinicians and call for broader validation across regions. The Lancet published the findings.

Choosing the Best Mammogram for Women with Dense Breasts
health9 months ago

Choosing the Best Mammogram for Women with Dense Breasts

For women with dense breast tissue, 3-D mammography is the preferred screening method as it is more effective at detecting cancer than traditional mammograms. Additional screening options like ultrasounds may be considered for those at intermediate risk, while MRIs are reserved for high-risk individuals. Risk assessment tools can help determine the most appropriate screening strategy, and women should discuss their personal risk factors with their healthcare providers.

Many Women in Their 40s Opt to Delay Mammograms After Learning Risks
health1 year ago

Many Women in Their 40s Opt to Delay Mammograms After Learning Risks

Nearly 40% of women in their 40s would delay mammography screening after learning about its potential downsides, according to a new survey. The study found that after being informed of the risks, such as overdiagnosis and false positives, more women preferred to start screening at an older age. The survey highlights the importance of understanding both the benefits and harms of mammography.

"The Cost of Mammography AI: Is It Worth the Extra Expense for Patients?"
health2 years ago

"The Cost of Mammography AI: Is It Worth the Extra Expense for Patients?"

Some radiology clinics are offering patients the option to pay for artificial intelligence (AI) analysis of their mammograms, which is not covered by insurance. While AI software has the potential to improve the detection of suspicious breast masses and lead to earlier diagnoses of breast cancer, there is ambiguity regarding its individual benefit. The FDA has authorized AI products to help detect and diagnose cancer from mammograms, but there are currently no billing codes for radiologists to charge health plans for the use of AI. The cost of AI analysis raises concerns about equity and affordability, with some experts questioning the need for additional charges for a service that could be beneficial for all women.

AI's Groundbreaking Prediction: One-Third of Breast Cancer Cases Anticipated Pre-Diagnosis
health2 years ago

AI's Groundbreaking Prediction: One-Third of Breast Cancer Cases Anticipated Pre-Diagnosis

A study published in the journal Radiology has found that artificial intelligence (AI) can predict one-third of breast cancer cases up to two years before diagnosis. The study analyzed imaging data and screening information from BreastScreen Norway exams and assigned AI risk scores to women who were later diagnosed with breast cancer. The results showed that more than 38% of screening-detected and interval cancers scored a 10 for AI risk preceding a breast cancer diagnosis. While the study is considered a significant advancement in early detection, experts caution that AI should complement, rather than replace, the expertise of medical professionals.

"Debunking the Shift: The Changing Stance on Breast Self-Exams by Doctors"
health2 years ago

"Debunking the Shift: The Changing Stance on Breast Self-Exams by Doctors"

Doctors no longer recommend breast self-exams as a preventive measure against breast cancer deaths, as studies have shown no reduction in mortality rates and evidence of harm, such as unnecessary invasive biopsies. However, it is still important for individuals to familiarize themselves with their breasts and be aware of any changes. Regular screening mammography starting at age 40 is recommended, as it has been shown to reduce mortality. For those under 40, identifying and screening those at higher risk is an ongoing area of research. Risk factors that can be changed include quitting smoking, being physically active, and reducing alcohol consumption. It is important to discuss individual risk factors with a healthcare provider to determine if earlier evaluation is necessary.

The Rise of AI in Breast Cancer Screenings: A Solution to the Declining Number of Radiologists
healthcare2 years ago

The Rise of AI in Breast Cancer Screenings: A Solution to the Declining Number of Radiologists

A study conducted by Swedish researchers suggests that radiologists assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) are more effective at detecting breast cancer than two radiologists working together. The study compared the performance of radiologists working with AI to that of human radiologists in screening mammograms from over 55,000 women. The addition of AI to the screening process resulted in a four percent increase in breast cancer detection and reduced false positives, potentially improving accuracy and reducing unnecessary imaging and biopsies. The researchers believe that AI has the potential to take over the majority of screening mammography assessments in the future.

healthcare2 years ago

Controversial Cancer Screening Study Faces Criticism from Breast Imaging Experts

Breast imaging experts have criticized a recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, calling it "invalid" and "specious." The study evaluated the impact of various cancer screening tests on life-days gained and reported that mammography led to zero days gained, while CT lung cancer screening led to 107 days gained on average. Experts pointed out flaws in the study's design, including the failure to assess the impact of screening participation and the use of all-cause mortality as an inappropriate study approach. They emphasized the importance of developing better ways to detect breast cancer and reducing breast cancer-related deaths through screening programs.

The Impact of Cancer Screenings on Life Expectancy: A Comprehensive Analysis
health2 years ago

The Impact of Cancer Screenings on Life Expectancy: A Comprehensive Analysis

A meta-analysis of 18 long-term randomized clinical trials involving 2.1 million individuals found that colorectal cancer screening with sigmoidoscopy may extend life by approximately 3 months. However, fecal testing, mammography screening, and prostate-specific antigen testing did not significantly prolong life. Lung cancer screening using computed tomography showed a potential extension of 107 days, but estimates were uncertain. Overall, the findings suggest that the lifetime gain from commonly used cancer screening tests, except for colorectal cancer screening with sigmoidoscopy, is unlikely or uncertain.

AI's Impact on Breast Cancer Screening: Study Shows Comparable Results to Radiologists
health2 years ago

AI's Impact on Breast Cancer Screening: Study Shows Comparable Results to Radiologists

The world's largest trial of its kind has found that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in breast cancer screening is safe and can significantly reduce the workload of radiologists. The study compared AI-supported screening with standard care and found that AI screening was as effective as two radiologists working together, did not increase false positives, and reduced the workload of radiologists by almost half. The interim analysis concluded that AI-supported mammography screening is safe and could help address the shortage of radiologists. However, further research is needed to assess the impact on patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness. The final trial results are expected in the coming years.

The Evolving Mystery of Women's Health
health2 years ago

The Evolving Mystery of Women's Health

Two women's tragic mental health problems take a surprising turn after doctors discovered an underlying autoimmune disease causing their psychiatric symptoms. Treatment helped both emerge from psychosis, and the story explores how new discoveries around inflammation and autoimmune conditions are changing how psychiatry diagnoses and treats mental illness. Additionally, new advice for women's health includes updated mammography screening recommendations, the potential benefits of removing tubes during gynecological surgery, and the increased cancer risks associated with ultra-processed foods.

Blind Women Detecting Breast Cancer with Incredible Accuracy in India
health3 years ago

Blind Women Detecting Breast Cancer with Incredible Accuracy in India

Blind and partially-sighted women in India are conducting breast cancer screenings with incredible accuracy using their amplified sense of touch. Only 1% of women in India undergo mammography due to the high cost and limited number of radiologists. These women, trained in tactile breast examinations, can catch lumps as small as 6-8mm, less than the 10-20mm lumps that many physicians without a visual impairment can find during examinations.