How this AI mammogram could help detect breast cancer years in advance
Global News
The technology uses AI to provide women with personalized risk estimations one to two years ahead of time, even when a current mammogram comes back clear.
A new AI tool for mammograms is expected to help doctors and health-care providers move faster and more efficiently catch breast cancers in patients.
Health Canada approved the technology, ProFound Risk, earlier this summer amid a health-care crunch that has seen hospitals, specialists and providers across the country pushed to the breaking point and straining to meet demand over recent years.
The device uses artificial intelligence (AI) to provide patients with personalized risk estimations, even when a current mammogram comes back clear. It was founded by American technology company iCAD, which specializes in breast cancer detection and therapy solutions.
iCAD’s founder and CEO, Dana Brown, says the device can dramatically change a patient’s care pathway once breast cancer risk is detected.
“The peace of mind that this technology can give both the patient and the provider to be on the right path for the next two years and be very vigilant about it, I think is just amazing,” Brown told Global News.
Brown explains that the device not only detects the risk of cancer, but also where it may appear specifically within the body. Both details are important for providers to best keep tabs on a patient and provide guidance on lifestyle risk mitigators such as diet and exercise.
Brown says it’s also “empowering” for individuals to be able to take control of their own health.
“Cancer is often something you feel you have no control over,” she said.