Singapore's SATA CommHealth has successfully deployed “Lunit”, an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) program for mammography screening reports.
Following a successful pilot test, the diagnostic imaging team has been leveraging the technology for several months, with the goal being to improve the sensitivity and accuracy of mammogram reports, significantly reduce wait times, and reduce patient anxiety and stress.
The Lunit INSIGHT MMG programme has been integrated into SATA CommHealth's regular mammogram screening process, leveraging AI to help analyse and interpret mammogram images, with a reported accuracy of 96% in detecting breast cancer. Despite this progress, The Straits Times reported that uptake of breast cancer screening in Singapore remains low, due in part to fear of detection and concerns about survival outcomes.
This AI technology aims to increase the efficiency and accuracy of breast cancer detection by providing radiologists with automated tools to identify potential abnormalities. The main objective is to improve early detection, which is essential to improve patient outcomes. By integrating Lunit AI, Sata CommHealth aims to improve radiologist productivity compared to traditional methods, which can sometimes lead to missing early signs of cancer or misdiagnosis.
“By integrating Lunit INSIGHT MMG into our mammogram examination process, we have set a new standard in breast cancer detection. This advanced AI technology not only increases the accuracy of diagnosis, but also greatly streamlines efficiency and saves considerable time. The analysis results are intuitive and easy to understand, significantly speeding up the reading process of each mammogram,” said Dr. Cheryl, Medical Director at SATA CommHealth.
Lunit INSIGHT MMG's AI technology assists radiologists in interpreting breast images such as mammograms, benefiting patients through improved diagnostic accuracy. Early detection facilitated by AI leads to curative outcomes for many breast cancer cases. AI's enhanced sensitivity in identifying early signs such as pleomorphic microcalcifications allows for timely intervention and potentially life-saving treatment.
Key benefits include enhanced detection capabilities, seamless triage of routine cases, improved reading performance for general radiologists, earlier diagnosis, and decision support for BI-RADS 3 and 4 cases. The technology also improves diagnostic accuracy in dense breasts, overcoming the challenges posed by dense breast tissue to ensure accurate diagnosis.
SATA CommHealth also plans to invest in the ongoing training and development of its diagnostic imaging team to maximize the benefits of AI technology. Additionally, the organization is exploring partnerships with other healthcare organizations to jointly advance the capabilities and application of AI in healthcare.
The service is available at SATA CommHealth's major diagnostic imaging centres and selected clinics across Singapore, ensuring widespread access to advanced screening capabilities to improve patient outcomes.
