AI-Powered Ultrasound Revolutionizes Breast Cancer Screening in China
Breast cancer remains a major health concern in China, and traditional mammography (MAM) screening often falls short, especially for younger women with denser breast tissue. A groundbreaking population-based study explored whether artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted ultrasound screening could offer a better solution for Chinese women. Researchers compared AI-assisted ultrasound to routine ultrasound among women aged 35–69 participating in the national “Two Cancer Screening” program.
Study Results: Higher Sensitivity and Early Detection
The study included 21,790 women from two districts: Hongkou (AI-assisted) and Pudong (routine screening). The results were striking. The AI-assisted group achieved a screening sensitivity of 75%, significantly higher than the 42.8% seen with standard ultrasound. AI-assisted screening detected more breast cancers (21 out of 8,736 participants) than routine methods (9 out of 13,054). Even more promising, 95.2% of screen-detected cancers in the AI group were caught at an early stage, compared to 88.9% in the routine group. This means AI not only finds more cancers but also catches them earlier, giving patients a better chance at successful treatment.
What This Means for Breast Cancer Screening in China
AI-assisted ultrasound could transform breast cancer screening in China, offering a more sensitive and effective alternative to traditional approaches, especially for women with dense breast tissue. As the technology continues to evolve, we may see AI-integrated screening become the new standard, saving more lives through early detection.
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