Artificial Intelligence for Better Breast Cancer Screening
Official title: Artificial Intelligence for Improved Breast Cancer Screening Accuracy: External Validation, Refinement, and Clinical Translation
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11505239 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly AI-based approach is being developed to improve the accuracy of breast cancer screening with 3D mammography.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2026 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $582,714 |
| NIH project number | 7R37CA240403-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11505239 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women undergoing 3D (digital mammography) breast cancer screening.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not using 3D mammography or not participating in screening programs may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project aims to adapt and validate an advanced AI tool for 3D mammography to help radiologists detect cancers more accurately. It builds on a successful 2D AI model and expands its use to 3D images using large datasets from real-world screenings. The work involves collaboration between academia and industry to translate the AI tool into clinical practice, with careful validation to ensure safety and effectiveness. If successful, the technology could reduce missed cancers and fewer false alarms, making screening more reliable for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this AI tool could reduce missed cancers and fewer false positives, leading to more accurate and efficient breast cancer screening.
How similar studies have gone: Previous 2D AI approaches showed promise, and this project extends those gains to 3D imaging with robust validation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Christoph I — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Lee, Christoph I
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving Breast Cancer Guideline Adherence in Nigeria
Aimed at helping doctors in Nigeria follow international guideline-based breast cancer care to improve outcomes for women with breast cancer.
-
Genomic study to understand how genetics and epigenetics shape triple-negative breast cancer in African ancestry
This study looks at how inherited genes and gene activity affect triple-negative breast cancer in people of African ancestry to better understand why outcomes can be worse.
-
Translational breast cancer research to improve treatment options
A comprehensive program at Baylor College of Medicine is focusing on breast cancer; researchers will advance targeted therapies and biomarkers to help patients with aggressive or hard-to-treat forms.
-
Cancer Pain Management for Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors with Depressive Symptoms
A technology-based program helps Asian American breast cancer survivors with depressive symptoms manage chronic pain more effectively from home using a web app and mobile tools.
-
Co-Targeting IL-6 and CDK4/6 to Prevent TNBC in Women Veterans
A study aims to block two cancer-promoting pathways (IL-6 and CDK4/6) to prevent or reduce progression of triple-negative breast cancer in women veterans.
-
Gut bacteria and metabolites linked to breast density and cancer risk
A small, patient-friendly study will explore whether gut bacteria and their byproducts are connected to high breast density, which can raise cancer risk and make screening less accurate.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.