By Imogen Howse via SWNS
Artificial intelligence successfully detected a woman’s breast cancer – after a routine scan came back as “normal.”
Sheila Tooth, from Littlehampton, West Sussex, was initially given the all-clear after her most recent mammogram.
As is normal procedure, two experienced radiologists reviewed the 68-year-old’s scan – and determined that there were no signs of cancer.
However, University Hospitals Sussex, the trust where Sheila had her appointment, was at the time partaking in a scheme which used an AI system to further analyze mammograms – to see if it could improve early detection.
The technology spotted cancerous cells which were undetectable by the human eye – meaning Sheila could get treatment as early as possible.
The retired nurse, who 15 years ago was diagnosed with a non-invasive early breast caner, said: “I remember the shock of the letter. Having had cancer before I was very frightened.
“But I knew that whatever they could see on my scan must have been incredibly small if it wasn’t picked up the first time.”
Sheila, a mother-of-one, was diagnosed with the same early non-invasive breast cancer as before – but because it was found so early, she was able to have a lumpectomy and didn’t need any further treatment.
Now, recovering from the surgery, she says she is so “grateful” for the AI technology.
“It’s extraordinary and I’m amazed,” Sheila said.
“When I talk to friends, we just can’t believe this AI can detect what the human eye can’t always see. I just feel so lucky.
“Being 68, this may have been my last mammogram, so my early cancer might have developed into invasive cancer in my 70s.
“So, I’m deeply grateful for it to have been caught so early. It’s just fantastic and all the staff were amazing – so kind and lovely and very reassuring.”
University Hospitals Sussex is one of 15 trusts across the country that participated in the project – which tested if AI can spot cancers than human ‘readers’ might miss.
The project used an AI system developed by Kheiron Medical Technologies called Mammography Intelligent Assessment – having been funded by the NIHR and NHS England’s ‘Artificial Intelligence in Health and Care Award’.
Throughout the two-month project, more than 12,000 mammograms considered as ‘normal’ by radiologists were reviewed using the AI system.
The technology suggested that just under 10 percent of those mammograms should be re-read by a clinical panel to identify any potential cancers that were not detected in the initial screening.
Upon further review, 11 women were asked to come back for investigation. Five of these were found to have breast cancer.
Commenting on the scheme, Dr. Olga Strukowska, a consultant radiologist and director at the West Sussex Breast Screening Programme, said: “We are still in early stages of AI evaluation in clinical scenarios but based on current trials and research projects, AI should find its place within the breast screening program.
“The earlier and more accurately we detect cancer, the better the chance our patients will have a positive outcome.
“That’s why this is so exciting. Using AI increases accuracy while reducing the number of missed cancers and lowering false positives.
“It empowers screening services to deliver confident, accurate, timely results through deep learning technology that works with radiologists and promotes high-quality standards of care for our patients.”
Steve Dixon, Senior AI Project Lead for Breast Services, added: “I feel privileged to have been part of the UHSussex breast screening teams in this groundbreaking evaluation project to demonstrate one of the potential uses of AI within the NHS breast screening program.
“I have no doubt that, in time, integrating AI with clinicians’ expertise will enhance the effectiveness of patient care, improving both outcomes and the quality of service for patients.”
University Hospitals Sussex is now planning to take part in a national randomized controlled trial involving AI – which forms part of the next phase of introducing the technology to breast cancer screening.
Currently, 55,000 women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer every year.
The NHS invites women between the ages of 50 and 71 to routine mammogram appointments every three years.
You need to be registered with a GP to be invited for breast cancer screening.
