Mammograms, routinely utilised by millions of Australian women for breast cancer detection, are now being explored as a tool for identifying heart disease. Each year, about 1.8 million women engage in complimentary mammogram screenings through BreastScreen clinics across Australia. Recent research from the George Institute for Global Health has led to the development of an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm capable of analysing these mammograms to uncover subtle indicators of cardiovascular risk.
This innovative AI model scrutinises mammograms for early signs of arterial calcium buildup, utilising a woman’s age as a factor to assess the likelihood of potential heart attacks or strokes. The dual-purpose screening has been rigorously tested using data from routine mammograms of 49,000 women in Victoria, correlating the findings with their hospital and death records.
In comparative studies of this AI approach against traditional cardiovascular risk factor evaluations—like blood pressure and cholesterol levels—researchers found that mammogram screenings were equally effective in identifying heart disease risks. Associate Professor Clare Arnott from the George Institute emphasised the significance of this method by stating, “We’re leveraging a tool that women engage with.” With only half of eligible women participating biannually in breast screenings, she highlighted the potential of combining breast cancer and cardiovascular screenings to save lives.
Experts underscore that heart disease is often underdiagnosed and inadequately treated in women, making the use of mammograms a potentially cost-effective alternative for detecting cardiovascular issues. By enhancing the value of routine breast screenings through these AI advancements, there is hope for improved health outcomes among women across Australia.