Artificial intelligence technology for cervical cancer screening

Issue: BCMJ, vol. 67, No. 3, April 2025, Page 89 Letters
By: Gary C. Jackson, MD

The article “Cervical screening in BC—Change inspired by First Nations and Métis communities” [BCMJ 2024;66:370-374] was very informative in demonstrating that by including care, compassion, and understanding in screening for cervical cancer in this population, the incidence of this preventable disease may be reduced significantly. Hopefully, like in other populations, aided by high acceptance of the human papillomavirus vaccine, cervical cancer will be eradicated in the future.

Another approach can also be used to help individuals who live in remote areas. The use of artificial intelligence technology is being introduced into colposcopic imaging. NTL Healthcare, based in Korea, has developed CerviCARE AI, a handheld device used to diagnose cervical dysplasia with over 95% sensitivity and specificity.[1] For those not familiar with colposcopy statistics, that rate is higher than what a trained colposcopist could achieve. Notably, the device does not require Wi-Fi, as its reference data is within it.

I volunteer with Project HANDS Society, a Canadian registered charitable organization, and since 2013, we have screened over 10 000 women in Bolivia, Myanmar, and Myanmar refugee camps in Thailand using visual inspection with acetic acid. Last November, we used the CerviCARE AI device in the Mae La refugee camp in Thailand for the first time. Not only did we find it accurate by our own visual assessments, but it was also an excellent teaching tool for nurses, midwives, and doctors.

This device, and possibly others that may follow, would be an excellent addition for screening in remote areas. It could significantly reduce the number of patients who would require transportation to a larger centre for colposcopic assessment. Screenings could take place in patients’ own communities. This device is already in use in South Asia and Southeast Asia, in countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and India.

And a disclaimer: I have no financial interest in this company or the device, and I was a colposcopist prior to retiring.
—Gary C. Jackson, MD
White Rock

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References

1.    Ouh Y-T, Kim TJ, Ju W, et al. Development and validation of artificial intelligence-based analysis software to support screening system of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Sci Rep 2024:14:1957. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-51880-4.

Gary C. Jackson, MD. Artificial intelligence technology for cervical cancer screening. BCMJ, Vol. 67, No. 3, April, 2025, Page(s) 89 - Letters.


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