Doctors design low-cost AI cervical cancer detection model to screen samples in 30 secs

A new, low-cost artificial intelligence (AI) model is showing promising results in the detection of cervical cancer, particularly for use in areas with limited resources. Developed by a team of doctors and researchers from four Kolkata institutes, the AI analyzes images of smear samples and can screen a sample in as little as 30 seconds.

A Faster, More Affordable Screening Process

Currently, the standard method for cervical cancer screening is the Pap smear, or Pap test. This involves examining cells taken from the cervix under a microscope to identify any abnormal or precancerous lesions. While the test itself is relatively quick, analyzing the samples in a laboratory can take considerably longer. The average cost of a Pap smear in Kolkata is approximately Rs 1,000. This new AI software, however, could potentially reduce the screening cost to as low as Rs 200.

Did You Know? The study considered a total of 292 smear samples from Calcutta National Medical College (CNMC) and NRS Medical College.

How the AI Model Works

The AI model was created using programming software designed to automatically detect and classify cells from microscopic images of Pap smear slides. These images are captured using standard Android phones or tablets. The system then diagnoses cervical cell morphology in a time-efficient and cost-effective manner.

The study, titled ‘Evaluation of the Diagnostic Accuracy of Cervical Cell Morphologies from Android Device-Captured Cytopathological Microscopic Images through Artificial Intelligence in Mainly Rural or Resource-Constraint Areas of India’, found the AI model successfully classified 98.1% of normal cells, and 80.5% of abnormal cells from hospital samples. A significant correlation was also observed between the AI reports and biopsy results, which are considered the gold standard for confirmation.

Expert Insight: The potential for AI to improve healthcare access in underserved areas is significant. By reducing both the cost and the time required for screening, this technology could dramatically increase the number of individuals who are able to benefit from early detection and intervention.

Implications for Rural Healthcare

Arindam Karmakar, a pathology associate professor involved in the study, stated that the AI-based screening is “very promising, especially in rural settings that see higher cervical cancer prevalence but lack of diagnostic facilities.” Priyabrata Das, scientific director at CliniMed Lifesciences, confirmed that the screening process using the AI tool takes less than 30 seconds with a high accuracy rate.

Snehendu Konar, clinical operations lead at Auriga Research, suggested that responsible and ethical implementation, along with continued validation, could “significantly accelerate India’s progress towards reducing cervical cancer mortality.” The research team included members from CliniMed LifeSciences, NRS Medical College, and CNCI Kolkata.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current standard for cervical cancer screening?

The conventional routine screening procedure is a Pap smear, also called the Pap test, which examines cells taken from the cervix under a microscope.

How quickly can this new AI model screen a sample?

The AI model can screen a sample in 30 seconds or less.

What was the accuracy rate of the AI model in classifying cells?

The AI model successfully classified 98.1% of normal cells and 80.5% of abnormal cells in hospital samples.

Could wider adoption of AI-driven screening tools like this one lead to earlier detection and improved outcomes for cervical cancer patients in India and similar regions?

Doctors design low-cost AI cervical cancer detection model to screen samples in 30 secs | Kolkata News