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AI in detecting early stage cervical cancer
Why is it in news?
- Artificial intelligence may be poised to wipe out cervical cancer, after a study showed that computer algorithms can detect pre-cancerous lesions far better than trained experts or conventional screening tests.
More in news
- Data points:(1) According to the World Health Organization, cervical cancer is the fourth most frequent cancer in women with an estimated 570,000 new cases globally in 2018.(2) Some 266,000 women died of cervical cancer globally in 2012, 90% of them in low-and middle-income nations, according to the WHO.
- Papillomavirus:(1) Human papillomavirus which causes most cases of cervical cancer.(2) Major advances in screening and vaccination can prevent the spread of human papillomavirus but it has mainly benefited women in rich nations.(3) Thus, cervical cancer is now a disease of poverty, of low resources.
- AI: AI technique, called automated visual evaluation, found precancerous cells with 91% accuracy.
- Clinical trial:(1) The goal is to roll out the technology in the next three to five years, enrolling more patients in clinical trials worldwide.(2) The technology has not been patented to keep costs low so that women most in need can benefit.
Source
The Hindu