Using Artificial Intelligence (AI), based on Deep Learning (DL) to help read mammograms, has the potential to transform breast cancer screening by improving accuracy, client experience, and efficiency. The evidence base for AI readers in breast cancer screening has been growing rapidly in recent years, with studies demonstrating the potential of AI to detect breast cancer on mammographic images with a similar accuracy to radiologists.
Following promising results from retrospective real-world studies, a randomised controlled trial will commence in 2024. It will provide implementation evidence to determine if using artificial intelligence (AI) with radiologists improves screening outcomes for Australian women.
With over 20-years’ experience, Professor Mann began his training in Melbourne followed by a PhD from the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and a fellowship the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York and the National Cancer Centre Hospital, Tokyo.
A leader in collaborative enterprise, Professor Mann integrated the breast units of the Royal Melbourne Hospital with the Royal Women’s Hospital and was subsequently appointed Director of Breast Cancer Services bringing the breast unit at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre together with the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Royal Women’s Hospital breast service. A major achievement in the breast tumour stream is the implementation of a Clinical Research and Information Management System; delivering comprehensive and searchable data, routinely collected from all patients treated for early breast cancer.
A/Prof Frazer has over 25 years of clinical experience and brings a deep understanding of the benefits, harms and challenges in population screening programs. She leads the BRAIx AI research program that has been awarded MRFF grants to translate promising AI mammography image reading results into breast cancer screening. The research includes the use of deep learning AI for breast cancer detection with mammography; ethical, social and legal implications of AI in healthcare and health workforce preparation for AI tools.
