Chinese Medical Team Develops AI-Based Breast Cancer Screening System for Smartphones

Beijing — A Chinese medical team has developed an artificial intelligence infrared thermography (AI-IRT) system to screen for breast cancer, enabling easy risk assessment through a smartphone application linked to an infrared camera.

The research team from Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) explained that the system incorporates an infrared camera, AI algorithms, and a big data platform. Users can connect the infrared camera to their smartphones, capture thermal images of their breast area, and upload the images via a smartphone application. The AI algorithm then automatically processes the images, delivering results that indicate varying levels of cancer risk.

The team believes that this system could provide an accessible, accurate, and affordable breast cancer screening option for Chinese women. Self-exams currently serve as the primary screening method; however, many women do not perform them regularly or correctly.

Breast cancer remains a significant health issue in China, with 357,200 new cases reported in 2022, making it the second most common cancer among women, causing 75,000 deaths that year.

Dr. Sun Qiang, a breast disease specialist at PUMCH and a core member of the research team, emphasized the importance of early screening and diagnosis for effective breast cancer treatment.

Compared to standard screening methods like ultrasound, mammography, and MRI, this system offers a non-invasive, radiation-free, quick, and accessible alternative. Infrared thermography also proves effective for screening dense breast tissue, a common trait among Asian women.

With this innovation, researchers hope it can be used at home or in community health centers, eliminating lengthy hospital appointments and screening wait times.

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Dr. Wang Xuefei, a thoracic surgeon at PUMCH and another key team member, noted that while further validation is needed, this system shows vast potential for practical application.
 

Sources:
Xinhua,
ArokaGO Breast Cancer Symptoms