Radiation-Free Breast Cancer Test Promises Results in Just 10 Minutes

Breast cancer screening is on the verge of a breakthrough with a new AI-backed test that promises to detect the disease earlier and deliver results in just 10 minutes—without the need for radiation exposure. Unlike traditional mammograms, which rely on low doses of radiation to capture high-quality X-ray images, this innovative test developed by a Polish tech company eliminates that risk altogether.

The test, known as Ailis, is currently in clinical trials. It uses a functional imaging method that measures thermal changes in breast tissue, potentially offering a more comfortable and accessible screening alternative. Developed by a team of innovators in Krakow, Ailis is designed to encourage more women to get screened by avoiding the discomfort of breast compression and providing a soothing environment to reduce anxiety.

In many breast cancer cases, increased metabolic activity and blood flow supply the tumor with nutrients. The Ailis system uses parametric imaging to examine the body's surface for thermal activity that could indicate the presence of a tumor. AI-powered image analysis then automatically screens patients to identify those most at risk.

The Ailis approach differs from standard anatomical imaging techniques like mammography or ultrasound, which rely on structural changes in breast tissue. Instead, it aims to detect functional, metabolic changes that often precede visible anatomical differences, potentially enabling earlier detection.

Women were actively involved in the design process to ensure the system addressed their preferences and concerns about traditional mammograms. The possibility of frequent examinations without negative health consequences, performed painlessly, comfortably, and outside doctors' offices, is becoming a reality.

A similar AI tool, "Mia," has been successfully implemented in the UK's NHS. Mia identified signs of breast cancer in 11 women missed by doctors who examined over 10,000 mammograms. During a pilot test, Mia proved effective in detecting particularly small tumors around 6mm, which are easy to treat with excellent outcomes.

Breast cancer remains the most common malignancy and the second-leading cause of cancer death among women. The World Health Organization predicts a 77 percent increase in cases by 2050. Global goals set by the WHO aim for 60 percent of breast cancers to be detected in early stages one and two, ensuring the best chance of recovery.

Screening in remote, rural areas poses a significant challenge, especially in developing nations, where survival rates lag. In Africa, women living 30 miles or further from screening hospitals have a mortality rate twice as high as those in urban areas of five sub-Saharan countries, according to research published in The Lancet Global Health.

Access to healthcare remains a significant factor, with urban areas having good facilities and numerous hospitals, while rural, less developed communities face transportation barriers and limited screening centers, often with long waiting times. Any new effective technology that's portable would be very helpful.

For advocates of breast health, the introduction of innovations like Ailis marks a significant step forward. It not only promises earlier and more comfortable detection but also underscores the importance of equitable access to healthcare. This development provides a powerful tool in the ongoing efforts to ensure all women, regardless of their location, have the opportunity to benefit from early breast cancer detection and treatment.