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Annually, almost 2 million people worldwide suffer from colorectal cancer. Half of them die. Thanks to artificial intelligence (AI), it was possible to reduce the percentage of undetected precancerous polyps during colon cancer screening, reports Gastroenterology.
Colorectal cancer – the second deadliest in the world
Most colon polyps are harmless, but some develop into colon or rectal cancer over time, which can be fatal if detected only at a later examination. According to the World Health Organization, colorectal cancer is the second most deadly cancer in the world, with approximately 1,9 million cases and 916 deaths. worldwide deaths in 2020.
Colonoscopy is a test used to look for changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum.
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The research team was led by scientists from the Mayo Clinic.
Between February 2020 and May 2021, 230 study participants underwent two colonoscopies on the same day at eight hospitals and community clinics in the US, UK and Italy. One colonoscopy used artificial intelligence; the second was carried out as standard.
Artificial intelligence makes it easier to detect colon cancer
It is estimated that the overlook rate for precancerous colorectal polyps is 25%. In this study, the miss rate was 15,5 percent. in the group that first underwent an AI colonoscopy. However, in the group that underwent standard colonoscopy, the percentage of misses was 32,4%. AI colonoscopy detected more polyps that were smaller in size, flatter, and located in the proximal and distal parts of the colon.
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In addition, the false-negative rate was 6,8%. in the group that first underwent an AI colonoscopy. In the group that first underwent standard colonoscopy, it was 29,6%. A false negative result suggests that the patient does not have a specific medical condition when in fact they do.
“Colorectal cancer is almost completely preventable with proper screening,” said senior study author Dr. Michael B. Wallace, head of gastroenterology and hepatology at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in Abu Dhabi, said. Using artificial intelligence to detect colon polyps and potentially save lives is welcome and promising news for patients and their families.
Author: Paweł Wernicki
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