AI detects up to 30% more breast cancers in major international trials
Artificial intelligence is set to transform breast cancer detection and treatment in Ireland, with major international trials showing AI-supported screening can detect up to 30% more breast cancers while dramatically reducing pressure on overstretched radiology services.
Breast Cancer Ireland – Ireland’s leading breast cancer charity, says the findings mark a turning point for precision oncology, as AI, advanced imaging and targeted therapies reshape cancer care in Ireland in 2026 and beyond.
“The challenge now is ensuring Irish patients benefit quickly and equitably from these advances. The science is moving fast – and with the right investment in research and cutting-edge facilities, Ireland can be a world class leader in AI-enabled breast care – not a follower,” said Aisling Hurley, CEO of Breast Cancer Ireland.
She added: “AI and precision oncology are powerful – but they only work if people come forward for screening when invited and are fully breast aware in advance of this – so that they spot any cause for concern early. Early detection, backed by cutting-edge technology, is ultimately what saves lives.”
A recent survey of more than 1,500 women attending the symptomatic clinic at the Beaumont Breast Centre, Dublin examined Irish patient’s views on the role of AI in healthcare, and in detection of breast cancer.
Almost half of women (46%) agreed that the use of AI in healthcare was a good idea, and 61% were comfortable with their mammogram being read by both a radiologist and an AI tool.
However, patients remained cautious of this new technology. Two thirds (66%) said that they would still prefer a radiologist to review their mammogram – even if AI was shown to be more accurate.
“AI gives breast radiologists an additional pair of expert eyes – prioritising the most challenging mammograms, helping detect subtle early cancers and easing routine workload so that radiologists can focus on complex patient imaging and procedures,” Dr Prof Nuala Healy, consultant radiologist at the Breast Cancer Ireland-funded Beaumont Breast Centre, said.
Two landmark studies – the MASAI trial in Sweden and the AI-STREAM trial in South Korea – showed that AI used alongside specialist breast radiologists significantly improves cancer detection without increasing false alarms. Crucially, AI also identifies smaller, earlier-stage cancers, when treatment is most effective.
In Sweden, the up-to-date results from the MASAI trial, published in 2025, involving more than 100,000 women, showed AI-supported screening detected 338 cancers compared to 262 with traditional double-reading (where two radiologists reviewed each mammogram).
As a result, radiologist workload fell by 44%. Early results from South Korea’s AI-STREAM trial were similarly impressive, showing a 14% increase in detection without increasing unnecessary recalls.
Crucially, AI support did not lead to more false alarms or unnecessary recalls. In fact, it helped radiologists spot smaller, early-stage cancers that are easier to treat and more likely to result in a cure.
Patryk Goron
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