New ML-Based Tool 98% Effective In Detecting Breast Cancer Early: Study

New Delhi: New machine learning-based screening method is 98 per cent effective in detecting the earliest sign of breast cancer, according to a study.

Developed by researchers at the University of Edinburgh the fast, non-invasive technique combines laser analysis with machine learning. It is the first of its kind to identify patients in the earliest stage of breast cancer, they said, noting that it may pave the way for a screening test for multiple forms of cancer.

The technique can pick up subtle changes that occur in the bloodstream during the initial phases of the disease -- known as stage 1a -- which goes undetected by existing tests.

Physical examination, X-ray or ultrasound scans, or analysis of a sample of breast tissue, known as a biopsy are standard tests currently available for breast cancer. These rely upon screening people based on their age or if they are in at-risk groups.