First-world methods for predicting breast cancer risk from mammograms developed in Melbourne could transform breast screening by allowing it to be adapted for women at a cost plus minimum.
Published in the International Journal of Cancer, a study led by the University of Melbourne found two new mammogram-based risk measures.
When these measures are combined, they are more effective in stretching women in terms of breast cancer risk than breast density and known genetic risk factors.
Researchers say that if successfully adopted, their new measures could significantly improve screening, make it more effective in reducing mortality and reducing weight gain for women, and thus encourage more to be broken. They may also help treat a congestive breast problem.
Since the late 1970s, scientists have known that women with more dense breasts, which appear on a mammogram as areas with more white or pale, are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer and miss him at the screening.
Collaborating with Victoria Cancer Council and BreastScreen Victoria, University of Melbourne researchers were the first to explore other ways to study breast cancer risk using mammograms.
Using computer programs to analyze mammogram images of large numbers of women with and without breast cancer, they discovered two new steps for extracting risk information. Cirrocumulus is based on the brightest areas in the image and Cirrus is textured.
First, they used a semi-automated computer method to measure density at normal levels, and higher levels of brightness to create Cirrocumulus.
They then used artificial intelligence (AI) and high-speed computing to learn about new aspects of the texture (not clarity) of a mammogram that predicts breast cancer risk and created Cirrus.
When their new Cirrocumulus and Cirrus measures were combined, they significantly improved risk prediction beyond the other known risk factors.
University of Melbourne lead researcher and professor John Hopper said that in understanding the diversity of women in their risk of breast cancer, these developments could be the most important from the breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 were discovered 25 years ago.
“These measures could modernize mammographic screening at little extra cost, as they only use computer programs. The new measures could be combined with other risk factors gathered at screening, such as family history and lifestyle factors, to provide an even stronger and more complete picture of women’s risk, ”said the council. Professor Hopper.
“Specific screening – not ‘one size fits all’ – could then be based on identifying high risk, and low risk, women so that their screening can be personalized. . With mammography now digital, and our steps now on the computer, women could be assessed for their risk at the time of screening – automatically – and make recommendations for future screening is based on personal risk, not just age, ”said Hopper.
Dr Hopper said this information could be used to reduce stress on BreastScreen, which had to shut down for a period of time during a COVID-19 pandemic and is looking for ways to reverse the condition. manage support while continuing to provide a valuable service with minimal resources.
He said the current outbreak could not have happened without the incredible support his mammogram research received from the National Breast Cancer Foundation, beginning with their first round of funding in more than 20 years.
“Only about 55 per cent of Australian women aged 50-74 are currently in attendance for screening aimed at early detection of breast cancer,” he said.
“Discovering that screening could provide accurate risk prediction could encourage more women to take up free screening. High risk women based on their mammogram would also benefit greatly from knowing their genetic risk, ”he said.
Associate Professor Helen Frazer, Clinical Director of BreastScreen Melbourne at St Vincent, said there would be improvements in assessing a woman’s risk for metastatic breast cancer for screening programs.
“Using AI enhancements to assess risk and personalize screening could bring significant benefits to the fight against breast cancer,” said Professional Professor Frazer.
(This story was published from a wire group group with no text changes. Only the headline was changed.)
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