Artificial intelligence to diagnose breast cancer
A new project will develop artificial intelligence to evaluate X-ray images in connection with breast cancer diagnostics. The project is anchored at Odense University Hospital and has just received DKK 4.7 million from the Region of Southern Denmark's innovation pool.
When an X-ray of a breast is to be assessed for possible breast cancer, it currently requires two radiologists to carry out a so-called double assessment. With approx. 85,000 annual x-rays for breast cancer in the Region of Southern Denmark, it is a very resource-intensive process, and the number of screenings seems to grow year by year.
Now a new project will ease some of the pressure on doctors. The Regional Council in the Region of Southern Denmark has granted DKK 4.7 million to test and validate a tool based on artificial intelligence that can support doctors' work by assisting in diagnosing breast cancer based on X-ray images. At the same time, the new tool must ensure earlier and more accurate diagnostics, which can lead to faster initiation of treatment – and thus a better chance of survival and increased quality of life.
All imaging departments in the Region of Southern Denmark are involved in the project, just as large international companies help with the development of artificial intelligence for breast cancer diagnostics.
Regional council chairman Stephanie Lose (V) says:
"About 4,700 women are affected by breast cancer every year, and it is thus the most frequent form of cancer in women. We know that when cancer is detected and treated early, it increases the chance of survival considerably. That is why I am happy that we artificial intelligence can potentially kill two birds with one stone - better diagnostics and less use of medical resources."
Funds from the innovation pool
The funds for the project come from the innovation pool that has been set aside in connection with the Region of Southern Denmark's digitisation strategy. The funds from the pool of 15 million DKK must ensure the use of robotic solutions and artificial intelligence across the region's hospitals.
Chair of the Digitisation Committee Mette Bossen Linnet (V) says:
"One of our five focus areas in the new digitisation strategy is the simplification, streamlining and development of work processes. Here, automation and artificial intelligence are completely obvious topics to address, as they contain great potential in relation to improving and streamlining our use of resources in the healthcare system. We already have some experience with artificial intelligence, but we expect that in the coming years there will be more and more opportunities to develop and use new solutions for the benefit of our patients and employees."