South Australian women are being invited to take part in a new breast screening trial that could help shape the future of cancer detection, with artificial intelligence set to play a supporting role alongside specialist radiologists.
BreastScreen SA officially launched its BRAIx trial on July 6th, becoming part of a national research project investigating whether AI can improve the early detection of breast cancer while maintaining the highest standards of clinical care.
The voluntary trial will run for between six and nine months and is designed to evaluate how specially developed AI software performs when reading mammogram images alongside experienced radiologists.
Women who choose to participate will be randomly allocated into one of two groups. One group will undergo the current screening process, where two specialist radiologists independently review each mammogram. In the second group, one specialist radiologist will review the images alongside the AI system.
Every participant will still have a specialist radiologist make the final clinical decision, regardless of which group they are placed in.
BreastScreen SA Clinical Director, Associate Professor Michelle Reintals shared, “This trial is an opportunity to explore how we can practically apply AI technology in breast screening and potentially improve our early detection of breast cancer.
“Early detection improves health outcomes for women as cancers detected are typically smaller and more easily treated.”
The Australian-developed AI software has already analysed millions of mammogram images, learning to identify areas that may indicate breast cancer. Similar technology is already being used in other parts of Australia and internationally, where studies have shown it can improve cancer detection rates.
The trial forms part of BreastScreen SA’s ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes for women by investigating new technologies that could strengthen breast cancer screening programs.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Blair Boyer shared, “Early detection is one of the most effective tools we have in the fight against breast cancer and it’s important we continue to explore new ways of diagnosing South Australian women as fast as possible to save lives.
“This trial demonstrates the South Australian Government’s commitment to exploring ways in which Artificial Intelligence can benefit South Australians and I can see no greater benefit than using it to improve health services.”
Minister for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy Chris Picton added, “By responsibly integrating AI into breast screening, we’re exploring how this smart technology can support our highly skilled clinicians.
“AI has enormous potential to strengthen our health system by helping clinicians work more efficiently, improving accuracy and ultimately delivering better outcomes for South Australians.”
The collaborative study also involves BreastScreen Victoria, St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, the University of Melbourne, Monash University and Adelaide University, and is funded through the Australian Government’s Medical Research Future Fund.
Women booked for a BreastScreen SA appointment will receive information about the trial before their screening and can choose whether or not to participate.
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