New mammogram measurements of breast cancer risk could revolutionize screening

The world’s first technology for predicting breast cancer risk from a mammogram developed in Melbourne could revolutionize breast screening by allowing it to be tailored to women at minimal additional cost.

Published on International Journal of CancerA study led by the University of Melbourne found two new risk measures based on mammograms. Combining these measures is more effective in stratifying women in terms of risk. breast cancer Than milk Density and all known Genetic risk factors..

Researchers can say that if successful recruitment, their new measures will be more effective in significantly improving screening, reducing mortality and reducing stress in women, and thus encourage more screening. It states that it has sex. They can also help deal with dense breast problems.

Since the late 1970s, scientists know that women with dense breasts and many white or bright areas on their mammograms are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer and missed in screening. ..

Researchers at the University of Melbourne worked with Cancer Council Victoria and Breast Screen Victoria to first study other research methods. Breast cancer risk Use a mammogram.

Using a computer program, we have discovered two new ways to analyze mammogram images of a large number of women with and without breast cancer and extract risk information. Cirrocumulus is based on the brightest areas of the image, and cirrocumulus is based on its texture.

First, they used a semi-automated computer method to measure normal densities, followed by higher levels of brightness to create cirrocumulus clouds.They then used Artificial intelligence Learn about new aspects of the texture (not brightness) of mammograms that predict the risk of breast cancer and create cirrus clouds with (AI) and fast computing.

Combining their new cirrocumulus and cirrocumulus measurements significantly improved risk prediction over all other known risk factors.

Senior Researcher and Professor John Hopper of the University of Melbourne said these advances have been most important since the breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 were discovered 25 years ago in terms of understanding how different women are at risk for breast cancer. Said it could be.

“These measures are just for use and can revolutionize mammography screening at a small additional cost. Computer program“Professor Hopper said.

“New measures can be combined with other measures Risk factor Collected by screening for family history and lifestyle factors, it provides a stronger and more comprehensive picture of women’s risk.

“One size doesn’t fit all” Tailored screening can personalize screening based on accurately identifying high-risk and low-risk women.

“Because mammography has been digitized and our measurements have been computerized, women are automatically assessed for risk during screening and given future screening recommendations based on personal risk as well as age. I will. “

Professor Hopper said this information could be used to relieve pressure on BreastScreen, which had to be closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, backlog while continuing to provide valuable services with limited resources. He said he was looking for a way to handle the logs optimally.

He said that the current breakthrough could not have occurred without the extraordinary support that his mammogram study received from the National Breast Cancer Foundation, starting with the first funding more than 20 years ago.

“Currently, only about 55 percent of Australian women between the ages of 50 and 74 are participating in screening for early detection of breast cancer,” he said.

“Knowing that screening can also provide accurate risk predictions can help even more. Female To receive a free screening offer. Women at high risk based on mammograms will also benefit greatly from knowing their genetic risk. “

Helen Fraser, associate professor of clinical director at St. Vincent Breastscreen Melbourne, said improving women’s breast cancer risk assessments would revolutionize screening programs.

“Use AI development to assess and personalize risk Sieving Can bring significant benefits in the fight against the breast cancer“Associate Professor Fraser said.