What You Should Know:
– Google Health and Apollo Radiology International are joining forces to tackle some of the country’s biggest health challenges – tuberculosis (TB), lung cancer, and breast cancer – using AI-powered screening technology.
– Over the next decade, Apollo will leverage AI models to provide 3 million free screenings for TB, lung cancer, and breast cancer. The initiative has the potential to save countless lives and improve healthcare outcomes for millions of Indians.
AI to the Rescue: Combating Deadly Diseases
Tuberculosis (TB) claims millions of lives globally, but early detection is key to successful treatment. While chest X-rays are common for TB screening, a shortage of trained radiologists to interpret scans hinders timely diagnosis. Google AI’s solution? An AI system specifically designed to analyze chest X-rays for early signs of TB, offering a crucial tool for early detection, especially in underserved communities.
Beyond TB: AI for Lung and Breast Cancer Screening
Lung cancer is another leading cause of death in India, often diagnosed at later stages due to the lack of widespread screening programs. AI can play a vital role here too. By analyzing scans, AI can not only assist radiologists in identifying lung cancer but also detect incidental nodules – potential signs of cancer – that might otherwise be missed. Similarly, breast cancer death rates in India are significantly higher compared to developed nations. AI can empower radiologists by analyzing mammograms, allowing for broader screening access and potentially saving countless lives.
“AI can play a tremendous role in the early detection of all these diseases. We’ve been working with Apollo Radiology International over the past few years to validate our AI systems in regions where they can have the most impact. Today, we continue to collaborate with Apollo as it works towards securing regulatory approvals to bring these models into clinical care in communities across India,” said Shravya Shetty, Principal Engineer, Health AI at Google Health.