Routine screening missed woman's breast cancer, but AI detected it: 'Deeply grateful'

A U.K. woman is thanking artificial intelligence for saving her life.

A report by SWNS states that Sheila Tooth of Littlehampton, West Sussex, had her breast cancer successfully detected by AI after routine testing came back "normal."

After two radiologists reviewed her last mammogram, 68-year-old Tooth was informed that she was cancer-free.

An AI system, Mammography Intelligent Assessment, analyzed her mammogram as part of a system being tested by University Hospitals Sussex.

According to SWNS, the technology used in Tooth's screening detected cancer cells that were undetectable by the human eye.

15 years ago, Tooth was diagnosed with non-invasive early breast cancer, which made her feel "very frightened" about being diagnosed again.

She said to SWNS, "I knew that whatever was visible on my scan must have been very small if it wasn't detected the first time."

Due to the early detection of the same type of breast cancer, Tooth underwent a lumpectomy without requiring any additional treatment.

She expressed her gratitude towards the AI technology, exclaiming that it is remarkable and she is astonished.

I feel fortunate when I discuss with friends how this AI can detect things that the human eye can't always see.

"At 68, this could have been my final mammogram, which means my early cancer may have progressed into an invasive form in my 70s."

As AI technology advances in healthcare, it should be integrated into the breast screening program, according to Dr. Olga Strukowska, a consultant radiologist and director at the West Sussex Breast Screening Program.

"By utilizing AI, we can improve the accuracy of cancer detection, reduce the number of missed cancers, and lower false positives, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes."

An ER physician and AI expert in Texas, Dr. Harvey Castro, described Tooth's story as a "powerful testament to how AI transforms breast cancer detection and saves lives."

He told Planet Chronicle Digital that Sheila's story demonstrates the life-saving benefits of integrating human expertise with AI support.

"It’s not about replacing radiologists, but empowering them to deliver the highest standard of care."

Castro stated that technology can provide a "second opinion that can lead to earlier diagnoses and better outcomes, especially in cases where cancer is subtle or hard to detect."

"Instead of replacing radiologists, the goal is to enable them to provide exceptional care."

Dr. Nicole Saphier, a medical contributor on Planet Chronicle, stated that AI is revolutionizing breast cancer detection by improving our capacity to detect minute irregularities that may be overlooked by the human eye.

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Earlier diagnosis of breast cancer through faster and more accurate imaging analysis can increase patients' chances of successful treatment and better outcomes, as she stated on Planet Chronicle Digital.

Saphier highlighted that the "ideal balance" for precise cancer diagnosis is achieved when the "skilled human eye and AI work together," with each enhancing the other's strengths.

"Convincing insurance companies to cover the additional cost of using AI to enhance cancer detection is often a limitation to advancements in technology, as seen with most advancements," she added.