A recent study led by UT Southwestern Medical Center investigates patient perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) in mammogram interpretation. Published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, the research indicates that 71.5% of surveyed patients favor incorporating AI into mammography, provided that radiologists oversee its use. However, just 6.6% support relying solely on AI for readings. The survey, which included 924 patients from UT Southwestern and Parkland Health, highlights significant demographic variations, with non-Hispanic Black participants expressing more privacy concerns. Patients overwhelmingly prefer human interaction, with nearly 60% willing to wait for a radiologist’s analysis rather than receive immediate AI results. Transparency is crucial, as 73.8% desire informed consent regarding AI’s involvement in their care. The findings underscore the need for patient education, data privacy safeguards, and culturally sensitive communication as AI tools become integral to clinical practice. This marks a significant step toward modernizing breast cancer screening while addressing patient concerns and trust.
