Tech-Powered Treatment

Harnessing AI to transform healthcare and strengthen Delaware’s workforce

CONTRIBUTED BY BAYHEALTH

INNOVATION IN HEALTHCARE is not just about improving patient care—it’s also about driving economic growth and ensuring that Delaware remains at the forefront of medical advancements. At Bayhealth, we’re leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and personalized medicine to enhance diagnostics, treatment precision, and patient outcomes.

One of the most promising applications of AI is early cancer detection, a critical factor in improving survival rates and reducing long-term treatment costs. By integrating AI into mammography, Bayhealth is detecting breast cancer earlier than ever before, providing patients with more treatment options and a better chance of survival.

These advancements represent more than just a leap in technology. They strengthen our community, attract top talent, and position Delaware as a leader in the future of medicine.

How AI is Helping Bayhealth Discover Breast Cancer Earlier

Early detection is critical in the fight against breast cancer, offering more treatment options and better chances of long-term survival. Bayhealth has incorporated AI into mammography, providing radiologists with a powerful new tool to aid in the early detection of breast cancer.

“Our goal is always to catch cancer as early as possible,” said Diagnostic Radiologist Daniel Wood, MD, head of breast imaging at Bayhealth. “AI helps us do that. It gives our patients the best chance at long-term survival, and we’re proud to offer this technology here at Bayhealth.”

What is AI, and How Does it Help with Mammograms?

AI mimics human thought processes by analyzing vast amounts of data. In mammography, AI programs review hundreds of images produced by a 3D mammogram and flag areas that might need additional attention.

“Our AI system looks at every single slice of a 3D mammogram, often more than 400 images, and flags areas that might need a second look,” explains Wood. “This serves as a kind of second set of eyes for the radiologist, helping ensure that nothing is missed.”

While radiologists still make the final decision, AI enhances their ability to spot subtle changes in breast tissue that might otherwise go unnoticed. This is especially valuable in detecting early-stage cancer.

A Game-Changer for Early Detection

Bayhealth became an early adopter of AI in mammography in 2021, making it one of the first community healthcare systems to implement this technology. The impact has been significant.

“We’ve seen an improvement in our cancer detection rate since we began using AI,” says Wood. “We’re catching cancers that are smaller and earlier-stage, which means they’re easier to treat and come with a better prognosis.”

Research supports Bayhealth’s experience. Studies show that AI improves detection of smaller cancers while also reducing false positives. This means fewer patients are called back for unnecessary tests, reducing anxiety and additional procedures.

How AI is Revolutionizing Radiology

Bayhealth is part of a growing trend in AI adoption across healthcare. As of July 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had cleared more than 950 AI algorithms for medical use, with radiology accounting for 76% of these approvals. The number of AI-powered radiology tools continues to grow by more than 100 each year.

Radiology is a leading field for AI integration because of its reliance on detailed image analysis. AI reduces radiologists’ workload, improves accuracy, and speeds up reading times. For example, AI can identify critical findings faster, assist with measurements for greater precision, and streamline workflow to provide quicker diagnoses—all reducing wait times and increasing accuracy.

The Future of AI in Healthcare

AI is transforming radiology, but early detection still depends on regular screenings. While technology is a powerful tool, the most important factor in breast cancer survival remains consistent mammograms and follow-ups.

“It’s important to remember that technology is only part of the equation,” says Wood. “Staying on top of regular screenings is the first and most crucial step in fighting breast cancer. AI—combined with continued awareness and prevention—helps us do that more effectively than ever before.”

Bayhealth remains committed to leveraging AI and other innovations to provide the highest quality care to our community. By integrating advanced technology with expert care, we’re improving outcomes, strengthening Delaware’s healthcare system, and positioning our state as a leader in medical innovation.

Sources:

Radiology Business: “Only 21% of healthcare leaders say they’ve implemented AI in medical imaging,” Jan. 24, 2024.

Radiology Business: “10 clues suggest scope, shape of AI’s future in mammography,” May 15, 2022.

Cardiovascular Business: “Cardiology still a leader in healthcare AI, trailing only radiology in FDA-cleared algorithms,” Aug. 7, 2024.

The Imaging Wire: “FDA keeps pace on AI approvals,” Aug. 12, 2024.