Jamaica to begin using AI to enhance breast cancer screening

The proposal for the new technology to support cancer screening featured among the discussions on Monday when Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, MP toured the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) with Medical Chief of Staff, Dr. Carl Bruce and members of the facility’s clinical leadership. 

The portable handheld tool marks an important stage in furthering access to pre-screening across the country.

“From a cancer perspective, we really have to do more in terms of the outreach,” Minister Tufton said.             

“The UHWI has a lot of technology as it relates to breast cancer, but the truth is we have to make this more widescale across the country which is why we have to embrace new technologies which we’re working with them on as it relates to getting more initial tests done which will qualify for further screening,” the Minister added.

Designed for use in community settings, the radiation-free technology enables quick, non-invasive breast assessments, providing real-time decision support and helping healthcare workers detect those who need additional diagnostic evaluation.       

 Game-changing Technology

Consultant Haematologist/Oncologist at the UHWI, Dr. Gilian Wharfe emphasised that the tool will be a gamechanger that encourages early screening. Its implementation, she says, is designed to help identify problems in early stages, when treatments are most effective.

“It’s an adjunct to screening and we can then reach patients where they are, reach them in the communities, identify any abnormalities, send them on to screening and enhance their care. We’re looking for earlier diagnosis and therefore better outcomes for our patients,” Dr. Wharfe said. 

The tool’s coming introduction is the result of partnership with Roche Caribbean. The healthcare technology giant offers differentiated medicines in cancer treatments, distinguishing itself in histological diagnosis of cancer and innovations in breast cancer treatment. 

Breast Cancer is among the chronic non-communicable diseases plaguing Jamaicans and remains the leading cause of cancer-related death for Jamaican women. 

In 2022, an estimated 1,327 new cases of breast cancer were recorded in Jamaica, according to the Global Cancer Observatory, along with an estimated 684 breast cancer deaths. It is projected that 1 in 21 Jamaican women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.