AI-supported mammography identifies cancer and cuts workload for radiologists

Interim analysis from MASAI (Mammography Screening with Artificial Intelligence) found that AI detected 20 per cent more cancers compared with standard screening, without affecting false positives. The trial, led by researchers from Lund University in Sweden, has been published in The Lancet Oncology.

Screening examinations currently undergo a double reading, which is a review by two breast radiologists to ensure a high sensitivity. Workforce shortages, however, can put the screening service at risk. In January 2023, the National Breast Imaging Academy in England reported that 12 per cent of mammographic workforce posts were vacant and staffing had not increased in line with demand.

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“In our trial, we used AI to identify screening examinations with a high risk of breast cancer, which underwent double reading by radiologists. The remaining examinations were classified as low-risk and were read only by one radiologist. In the screen reading, radiologists used AI as detection support, in which it highlighted suspicious findings on the images”, said Kristina Lång, lead researcher and associate professor in diagnostic radiology at Lund University.