Can AI reduce the harms and cost of Australia’s breast cancer screening program?
Genetic epidemiologist Professor John Hopper says a more targeted and cost-effective approach is not far off
There is a debate raging within the medical community which has yet to reach the wider public about the costs and benefits of Australia’s national breast screening program.
Three years ago, researchers from the ÂCancer Council NSW estimated it was costing up to $65,000 for each life-year it was saving, triggerÂing calls for more to be done to risk-stratify women and reduce overdiagnosis.
Here, genetic epidemiologist Professor John Hopper from the University of Melbourne speaks to AusDoc about the role of AI and whether it can reduce both the harms and cost.
Australian Doctor: You hosted the Why Study Mammographic Density conference earlier this week. What is the state of play with breast cancer screening?
