According to new research, Google’s AI is more capable of detecting breast cancer than experts in the field.
CNET stated that for breast cancer to be detected, many women would have to go through mammograms, where their breasts would be scanned and examined by radiologists.
However, this method can result in a “false diagnosis of cancer” or miss cancer tumors altogether.
To overcome the limitations, Google Health’s AI experts worked together with the company’s subsidiary Deepmind, along with Cancer Research UK Imperial Centre, Northwestern University and Royal Surrey County Hospital, and have published their findings from the study in the journal Nature.
The study shows that the AI system can identify breast cancer in mammograms that were previously left undetected by radiologists when tested against scans of more than 25,000 women in the UK and 3,000 women in the US.
It can also reduce the number of false negatives, where tests are wrongly classified as normal.
Pleased with the results, Google Health’s UK lead Dominic King explained that the technology is able to “detect breast cancer with greater accuracy,” and said his team is “committed” to making a difference for breast cancer patients.
Currently, the technology has to go through further testing and regulatory approvals, King told CNET.
If the technology is introduced in the healthcare system, it can work in tandem with doctors and eliminate the need “for double screening by radiologists.” The AI might also be able to provide information of whether cancer is present during scans.
Google Health’s AI can spot breast cancer missed by human eyes https://t.co/KWW1yQpNS4 pic.twitter.com/5Vf3UEfSNX
[via CNET, opening image via Shutterstock] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/408067/Google-Develops-AI-That-Detects-Breast-Cancer-With-Greater-Accuracy-Than-Experts/