Mehdi Shahbazpour, head of research &
strategic programmes at Breast Cancer Foundation
NZ, says: “We welcome the Government’s move to
explore the use of artificial intelligence to support breast
screening services. Anything that improves access to timely
screening is a positive step, and this is long

“International experience shows AI can be a
powerful support tool in breast screening, acting as an
extra set of eyes for radiologists. Large-scale programmes
overseas have found that AI not only helps detect more
cancers, but can identify them at earlier stages and reduce
the number of interval cancers found between screens, which
ultimately improves outcomes for women. Importantly, AI
complements clinical expertise; it does not replace

“The question is no longer whether AI can help
detect more cancers, but how we introduce it in a way that
is safe, equitable and works well within existing screening
services. This exploration phase is an important first step.
New Zealand doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel – we can
learn from international models and focus on validating what
works for our population, while ensuring the right processes
are in place.

“With ongoing workforce shortages and
recruitment challenges in New Zealand, AI also has real
potential to ease pressure on our stretched radiology teams,
helping to keep screening services sustainable and
accessible for more women across the

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Original source: nz