At WellSpan Health, we are committed to providing the best possible care for our patients, and we are excited to share how we are using cutting-edge technology to enhance breast cancer screening.
The Importance of Regular Mammograms
Women across the U.S. rely on regular mammograms for peace of mind, and for good reason. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, making it the second most common cause of cancer death among women. While annual screening is effective in detecting tissue anomalies, it still misses about 20% of all breast cancers in the U.S., and nearly 40% in women with dense breast tissue.
AI in Breast Cancer Detection
In fall 2024, WellSpan Health became the only health system in central Pennsylvania to implement an artificial intelligence (AI) solution to aid in the detection of breast cancers. The AI tool flags any concerning cases to be escalated to a radiologist for close review and evaluation. If the radiologist confirmed the findings were concerning, patients would receive further diagnostic testing.
We like it because it’s a tap on the shoulder, a second pair of eyes.
Heidi Beilis, MD
Vice President and Chief Medical officer of the Diagnostic Service Line at WellSpan Health
The Impact of AI on Patient Care
In 2023, Dr. Beilis and her colleagues evaluated an AI solution that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. During a two-month trial, the AI system screened mammogram images before they were reviewed by radiologists.
The study revealed that the AI solution will help radiologists detect an additional 56 instances of breast cancer among the approximately 100,000 screening mammograms that the WellSpan Health system performs each year. This represents a 10% increase in detection, with many of these cases being early-stage cancers that are often hidden by dense breast tissue or implants.
Thanks to the quicker, more thorough readings, we’ve revamped our process so we can talk with patients who need follow-up more quickly — sometimes before they even leave their appointment.
Benefits for Patients
Quick Feedback: Patients learn concerning results quickly, sometimes during their mammogram visit.
Prompt Follow-Up: Follow-up testing can be completed or scheduled during the same appointment.
Reduced Anxiety: The quick turnaround time is possible because images are sent directly to the cloud, where the AI system performs a first pass read and flags any concerning images within about 10 minutes. This allows our team to prioritize patients whose results require further investigation.
A Recent Success Story
Recently, the AI system identified an area of concern on the mammogram of a young woman with breast implants. Before she left the clinic, she received follow-up testing, which revealed a very early-stage breast cancer.
While that is news no one wants to get, the patient told us she appreciated finding out sooner rather than later.
Comprehensive Care for Every Patient
The AI system is just one part of our broader efforts to screen women for breast cancer and connect each patient with the necessary testing and treatment. We’re also implementing a high-risk assessment tool to identify patients at an increased risk for breast cancer who are 25-40 years old. The tool will also help identify when a family member of someone with breast cancer should receive early screening.
These tools are building blocks on the pathway to exceptional personalized care for patients and their families.
To learn more about our breast health services or to schedule an appointment, please visit WellSpan Health's website or call us at 1-800-382-9326.
Join Our Team: We Are Hiring Mammographers
At WellSpan Health, we are not only committed to providing the best care for our patients but also to creating a supportive and innovative environment for our healthcare professionals. We are currently seeking skilled and compassionate mammographers to join our team and help us continue to revolutionize breast cancer detection.
Why Join WellSpan Health?
State-of-the-Art Technology: Work with the latest AI-assisted mammography systems to enhance your diagnostic capabilities.
Comprehensive Support: Be part of a multidisciplinary team dedicated to patient care and early cancer detection.
Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.
Community Impact: Make a significant difference in the lives of women in our community by providing timely and accurate diagnoses.
If you are passionate about breast health and want to be part of a forward-thinking healthcare system, we invite you to apply to join our team. Together, we can ensure that every woman has access to the best possible care and support during Breast Health Month and beyond.
Contact Us
For mammographers interested in joining our team, please visit our career page or contact our recruiter, Laura Myers at lmyers9@wellspan.org or 717-495-8031.