Breast cancer AI tool gets FDA approval, uses mammograms to predict risk
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently given authorization to an artificial intelligence (AI) tool developed by Clairity, a digital health tech company, to predict breast cancer risk. This groundbreaking AI platform, known as Clairity Breast, utilizes image-based technology to analyze screening mammograms and predict an individual’s five-year risk of developing breast cancer.
Unlike traditional risk assessment models that rely heavily on age and family history, Clairity’s AI tool looks beyond these factors to provide a more accurate prediction of breast cancer risk. This is particularly important as about 85% of breast cancer cases occur in women with no family history of the disease, likely due to genetic mutations that occur with aging.
Furthermore, traditional risk models have been based on data from predominantly European Caucasian women, which may not be generalized well to diverse populations. Clairity’s AI tool aims to address this disparity by providing a more equitable and accurate risk assessment for women of all backgrounds.
Dr. Connie Lehman, founder of Clairity and a breast imaging specialist at Mass General Brigham, emphasized the importance of early cancer detection through mammograms. She highlighted how advancements in AI technology can uncover hidden clues in mammograms that are invisible to the human eye, ultimately helping to predict future risk and expand access to life-saving early detection and prevention for women everywhere.
Dr. Robert A. Smith, senior vice president of early cancer detection science at the American Cancer Society, also acknowledged the importance of personalized, risk-based screening in improving breast cancer outcomes. He noted that AI tools offer the best opportunity to fulfill this potential and emphasized the significance of Clairity’s FDA authorization in providing more women with access to AI-driven cancer risk prediction.
Larry Norton, founding scientific director of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, echoed these sentiments, stating that the development of Clairity’s AI tool marks a turning point in ensuring that more women receive the right care at the right time. With breast cancer cases on the rise globally, particularly among younger women, advancements in AI technology are crucial in improving early detection and treatment outcomes.
Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel hailed Clairity’s development as profound, noting the significant improvements in focus and predictiveness that AI brings to cancer detection. He emphasized the importance of leveraging AI technology, especially in underserved areas where radiologists may lack specialized training, to improve the accuracy and efficiency of breast cancer screening.
In conclusion, the authorization of Clairity’s AI tool by the FDA represents a significant advancement in breast cancer risk prediction. By harnessing the power of AI technology, healthcare providers can now offer more accurate and personalized risk assessments to women of all backgrounds, ultimately improving early detection and treatment outcomes for breast cancer.
