New CAD Imaging Technology Helps Predict the Risk of Breast Cancer

Researchers at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP; El Paso, TX, USA) are developing an innovative Computer Aided Detection (CAD) breast cancer risk analysis system.

The system will be able to predict the risk of developing breast cancer. It will allow patients who have a low risk of developing cancer, to increase the interval between their annual mammogram screenings, and avoid unnecessary exposure to ionizing X-Rays and conversely, allow women who after CAD screening are found to be at high risk of developing breast cancer, to go to mammogram screening earlier, within six months instead of a year.

When complete, the risk analysis system could process the X-Ray images of a regular mammogram and analyze multiple features such as breast tissue texture, breast density, and change in the differences between the two breasts.

Future versions of the system could include additional factors such as patient history, clinical diagnoses, lifestyle, pregnancies, or past hormonal therapy.

Wei Qian, PhD, professor of electrical engineering at the University of Texas, El Paso, said, “We’re creating a breast cancer risk analysis system. It will be able to inform doctors about the patient’s risk of developing cancer within a few years.”


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The University of Texas at El Paso