How Artificial Intelligence is Helping Bayhealth Discover Breast Cancer Earlier

Early detection is critical in the fight against breast cancer. The sooner cancer is found, the more treatment options are available, and the better the chances of long-term survival. Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in helping radiologists detect breast cancer earlier than ever before.

Bayhealth has incorporated AI into mammography, providing radiologists with a powerful new tool to aid in the early detection of breast cancer.

“Our goal is always to catch cancer as early as possible,” says Diagnostic Radiologist Daniel Wood, MD, head of Breast Imaging at Bayhealth. “AI helps us do that. It gives our patients the best chance at long-term survival, and we’re proud to offer this technology here at Bayhealth.”

What is AI, and how does it help with mammograms?

Artificial intelligence is a technology that enables computers to analyze large amounts of data and "learn" from it, mimicking human thought processes. In mammography, AI programs review the hundreds of images produced by a 3D mammogram and highlights areas that might look suspicious.

“Our AI system looks at every single slice of a 3D mammogram, often more than 400 images, and flags areas that might need a second look,” explains Dr. Wood. “This serves as a kind of second set of eyes for the radiologist, helping ensure that nothing is missed.”

Radiologists still make the final decision, but AI helps by highlighting potential issues that may otherwise be overlooked. AI is particularly effective at spotting subtle changes in breast tissue that could indicate early-stage cancer, which might be missed during a traditional review.

A Game-changer for early detection

Bayhealth became an early adopter of AI in mammography in 2021, making it one of the first community healthcare systems to implement this advanced technology. The results have been significant.

“We’ve seen an improvement in our cancer detection rate since we began using AI,” says Dr. Wood. “We’re catching cancers that are smaller and earlier-stage, which means they’re easier to treat and come with a better prognosis.”

Studies support Bayhealth's experience. Research shows that AI improves the detection of smaller cancers while also reducing the rate of false positives. This results in fewer patients being called back for additional tests, reducing both anxiety and unnecessary procedures.

No added cost, just added confidence

One of the standout benefits of Bayhealth's AI technology is that it is available to all patients undergoing mammograms at no additional cost. By offering this cutting-edge tool to every patient, Bayhealth ensures that AI enhances the expertise of its highly-skilled radiologists, while providing patients with added confidence in the accuracy and reliability of their results.

“There’s no special order needed for AI, and it doesn’t cost the patient extra,” notes Dr. Wood. “Bayhealth made a significant financial investment in this technology because we believe it provides our patients with the best chance of detecting breast cancer early.”

How AI is revolutionizing radiology

Bayhealth is not alone in embracing AI. Across the healthcare industry, providers are increasingly using AI to enhance imaging processes. As of July 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had cleared more than 950 AI algorithms for medical use, with radiology accounting for approximately 76% of these approvals. The number of radiology-related AI algorithms continues to grow by more than 100 each year.

Radiology is a leading field for AI integration due to its reliance on detailed image analysis. AI reduces the workload for radiologists, improves accuracy, and speeds up reading times. For example, AI can automatically identify critical findings, assist with measurements, and streamline workflow, benefiting both doctors and patients with faster, more accurate diagnoses.

“It’s important to remember that technology is only part of the equation. Staying on top of regular screenings is the first and most crucial step in fighting breast cancer. Early detection saves lives, and AI—combined with continued awareness and commitment to prevention—helps us do that more effectively than ever before,” says Dr. Wood.