A trial is happening at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary to test if artificial intelligence (AI) can help radiologists review many mammograms each year. In the trial, AI helped detect early-stage breast cancer in June, who is a healthcare assistant and part of the study. Because of this finding, June will have surgery soon. 

Mammograms are special X-rays used to examine breasts and detect small changes that may indicate breast cancer, even before they can be felt. They are an essential tool in breast cancer screening and are estimated to save around 1,300 lives each year in the UK, according to the NHS. 

In Scotland, there has been an increase in the number of women attending routine breast screenings in the three-year period leading up to 2022. However, at the same time, there has been a decline in the availability of radiologists who review the results. This means that there are fewer healthcare professionals available to analyze mammograms and provide timely diagnoses. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that enables computers to perform tasks that usually require human intelligence. It is already extensively employed in various industries. The field of healthcare is already witnessing the practical applications of AI, which have garnered considerable attention recently. 

This technology's potential impact on various healthcare aspects has become increasingly apparent. Many scientists and doctors recognize the potential of AI to accelerate the process of discovering new drugs and understanding diseases. Rather than replacing practitioners, AI is viewed as a powerful tool that can work alongside them, enhancing their abilities and improving overall outcomes in healthcare. 

NHS Grampian's Gemini project, a collaboration between the NHS, the University of Aberdeen, and industry partners, was mentioned in Scotland's AI Strategy of 2021. Kheiron Medical Technologies developed the AI model Mia, used in the trial, with cloud computing support from Microsoft. 

Due to existing rules, AI cannot be automatically deployed in screenings, so Dr. Lip and other radiologists are conducting trials to assess its effectiveness as an additional verification step. June, a trial participant, received a biopsy after the AI tool identified a concerning area, as explained by Dr. Lip. 

Additionally, Public Health Scotland (PHS) data discovered that the number of screen-detected breast cancers in women of all ages increased to 1,830 between 2021 and 2022. On average, radiologists review around 5,000 mammograms annually. 

Out of these, approximately 250 to 300 patients are summoned for further examination, with around 30 to 40 individuals requiring closer attention due to potential concerns identified during the initial screening.