Improving breast cancer risk assessment for Black women
Official title: Advancing breast cancer risk assessment for Black women
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10981894 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to improve how we predict breast cancer risk for Black women by using advanced technology to find specific patterns in mammograms, so we can create better screening and prevention strategies just for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $644,804 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA286120-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10981894 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Black women who are at risk for breast cancer or have a family history of the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not Black or those who do not have risk factors for breast cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the accuracy of breast cancer risk assessments specifically for Black women, who face higher mortality rates from the disease. By utilizing advanced artificial intelligence techniques, particularly deep learning, the study aims to identify unique mammographic signatures that predict breast cancer risk. The research will analyze a large dataset of screening information from Black women to develop tailored screening and prevention strategies. This approach seeks to address the limitations of existing models that predominantly reflect White populations and improve the interpretability of the findings for clinical use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and personalized breast cancer screening and prevention strategies for Black women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using artificial intelligence for breast cancer detection, but this specific approach targeting Black women is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gastounioti, Aimilia — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Gastounioti, Aimilia
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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.