Response To Government Announcement On AI In Breast Screening

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 overdue.

“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 it.

“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 country.”

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