Genetics and AI Help Patients with Early Detection of Breast Cancer Risk

Just in time for National Breast Cancer Awareness month, which in the United States takes place every October, AdventHealth is announcing a first of its kind program in Florida that combines the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, embedded algorithms, and nurse navigation to help assess breast cancer risk with the most advanced tools.  

The new Genomics Risk Assessment for Cancer & Early Detection (GRACE) program uses a patient’s personal family history along with their medical history and overlays AI data containing thousands of similar anonymous patient records to assess potential risk. Patients identified with a high-risk potential are then offered additional options (such as a breast magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] or genetic testing) to further assess risk, which can result in a more accurate diagnosis.  

“This program provides additional data to our teams to catch cancer early, or better yet, potentially prevent it in certain situations. This is a true advancement in medical care for all,” said Wes Walker, director of genomics and personalized health at AdventHealth.  

Walker expects to be able to screen roughly 100,000 women per year once the program is fully rolled out to all 16 centers in AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division in 2025.   

“Traditionally, risk was only identified by age — it was a one-size-fits-all type of approach,” Walker said. “With this program, we are becoming more sophisticated and providing patients a more comprehensive, accurate, individualized risk assessment based on age, personal history, family history, breast density, and genomics.” 

The GRACE program works as part of the mammogram process by using an AI-enhanced image analysis along with the patient’s imaging. The tool assists radiologists to determine the finalized breast density, which factors into the risk calculation. The system then calculates the risk score for the patient using evidence-based algorithms embedded in the software.    

The GRACE pilot program launched August 1 at two AdventHealth locations — Winter Park and Waterford Lakes. 

“We’ve learned that roughly 20 percent of women who come in to get a mammogram are actually at high risk,” Walker said. “We’ve learned that our nurse navigator is absolutely invaluable in providing support, information, and guidance. Sometimes learning that you are high risk can be very stress inducing, so that high-touch human element has been incredibly important. We have the high tech, but we also have the high touch.” 

The program integrates best-practice electronic risk assessments for hereditary cancer, which includes breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer/Lynch syndrome, into different clinical venues — mammography centers, primary care practices, and gastrointestinal clinics.   

The original version of this story was posted on the AdventHealth news site.