We fear cancer. If not diagnosed in early stage, it takes lives. Early detection may not be possible in all the cases. However, artificial intelligence (AI) is lately taking the challenge. Its integration into healthcare is no longer a futuristic concept. It is a present reality and already transforming patient care. One of the most compelling examples is the AI-driven program “C the Signs.”
Yes, “C the Signs” has significantly boosted cancer detection rates among general practitioners (GPs) in England. The tool is innovative tool has raised cancer detection rate from 58.7% to 66.0%.
“C the Signs” detects with the help of vast amounts of data contained within the medical history of a patient. It includes test results, prescriptions, treatments and personal characteristics. The approach allows AI to identify subtle indications of cancer risk. Human eyes usually miss such subtle indications.
The tool has been used in about 1,400 practices across England and has shown tangible benefits. It was tested in 35 practices on 420,000 patients. Result of the practice was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology magazine. It highlighted an improvement in cancer detection rates.
Creation of “C the Signs” is based on a personal story. Dr. Bea Bakshi was inspired by a patient who received a late diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The patient died three weeks after being diagnosed. It urged the need for better diagnostic tools. She looked for solutions to help prevent similar deaths. She thereafter developed the tool. The tool helped in the detection of more than 50 different types of cancer. Her efforts provided faster and earlier diagnoses for countless patients.
