Empowering early detection: The future of breast cancer screenings with AI

Masaharu Morita, Founder and Program Director, NURA emphasises that a key factor contributing to India’s breast cancer crisis is the delay in diagnosis. Women, particularly in rural areas, often seek medical care only after the cancer has progressed to an advanced stage

Breast cancer remains one of the most pressing global health concerns. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women and accounts for the highest number of cancer-related deaths in women. Alarmingly, it ranks as the fourth leading cause of all cancer deaths worldwide. India, too, faces this growing challenge, with an increasing incidence of breast cancer and other non-communicable diseases.

India is steadily advancing toward its vision of ‘One Earth, One Health,’ an initiative that emphasises a holistic approach to global healthcare. Yet, breast cancer continues to be a major public health challenge in the country, where early detection rates remain critically low. As breast cancer continues to be the most diagnosed cancer among women globally, an integrated strategy—focused on prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment—is essential to reduce the disease’s burden.

India’s vision: One earth, one health

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, through his ‘One Earth, One Health’ initiative, has highlighted cancer prevention as a key focus in his vision for global health. India’s commitment to strengthening cancer screening and AI-driven treatment protocols marks a vital step forward in addressing this pressing issue.

Breast cancer in India: A grim reality

Despite these efforts, India continues to see a rise in breast cancer cases, while preventive mechanisms remain underdeveloped. A healthcare study revealed alarming statistics: the breast cancer screening rate in India stands at a mere 1.9 per cent, compared to 82 per cent in the U.S., 70 per cent in the U.K., and 23 per cent in China. Cervical cancer screening rates are similarly dismal, with only 0.9 per cent of Indian women undergoing regular screening.

The consequences of such low screening rates are devastating. Over 60 per cent of breast cancer cases in India are diagnosed at stage 3 or 4, significantly lowering the chances of survival. In these advanced stages, the cancer spreads rapidly, often making it untreatable. Early detection is critical for improving survival outcomes. Regions like Mizoram and Kollam, where early screening initiatives have been implemented, report survival rates much closer to those in Western nations, highlighting the urgent need for wider adoption of such measures.

Challenges in diagnosis and treatment access

A key factor contributing to India’s breast cancer crisis is the delay in diagnosis. Women, particularly in rural areas, often seek medical care only after the cancer has progressed to an advanced stage. Rural women face disproportionate risks due to a lack of education, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and limited awareness about cancer. Although urban areas report higher incidences of breast cancer, rural regions suffer from late-stage diagnoses and insufficient treatment facilities.

Affordability and accessibility of healthcare continue to pose significant challenges. To address these gaps, India must look to global examples like Japan, which emphasises preventive care and early detection through regular health checkups. Public campaigns and educational initiatives in Japan have successfully created a culture of early screening. India needs to prioritise similar initiatives, ensuring that screenings are both affordable and accessible to the wider population.

AI and technology: A game changer in early detection

Advances in technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), offer a promising solution to India’s breast cancer crisis. AI-driven diagnostics have the potential to revolutionise early detection by helping radiologists identify smaller, often-overlooked lesions, particularly in the early stages of cancer.

Since 2010, AI’s role in medical imaging has been evolving, but recent advancements have significantly enhanced its capabilities. One of the most crucial advantages of AI is its ability to address limitations in human interpretation.

Early detection is especially the key to fighting this problem effectively. And when it comes to diagnosis, mammography is the best screening tool at present to detect breast cancer along with a sonomammogram and a doctor’s examination.

AI in action: Success stories from Japan

Japan has been a pioneer in preventive healthcare and early screening, particularly in breast cancer detection. AI-driven diagnostics have played a supportive role in enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of screenings, enabling early-stage interventions. This preventive approach has helped reduce mortality rates and improve survival outcomes by catching potential health issues before they manifest into advanced stages. Early screening is crucial, as it allows for the detection of health concerns at their most treatable stages, and AI aids healthcare professionals by ensuring that no abnormalities are overlooked. With AI-assisted screenings, cancers can be identified at their earliest, most manageable stages, helping prevent the severe consequences of late-stage diagnoses.

The future of breast cancer screenings in India

To combat the growing burden of breast cancer in India, a multi-pronged approach is essential. AI offers an efficient, cost-effective, and scalable solution to improve early detection rates. However, for AI to reach its full potential, India must also invest in public education, healthcare infrastructure, and policy reforms that promote preventive care and routine screenings.

By integrating AI into the healthcare system and fostering a culture of regular screenings, India can make significant strides toward improving breast cancer outcomes. The urgency to empower early detection is greater than ever. A future where breast cancer can be detected and treated before it becomes life-threatening is within reach.

Conclusion

AI holds the potential to revolutionise breast cancer screenings in India, shifting the narrative from late-stage diagnoses to early intervention. By leveraging AI’s powerful capabilities and committing to a holistic approach to health, India can bring hope to millions of women and their families, ensuring that breast cancer is detected and treated before it claims more lives.