Sheila Tooth, a 68-year-old from Littlehampton, West Sussex, is celebrating a life-saving breakthrough in medical technology. Her breast cancer was detected early thanks to artificial intelligence (AI), even after routine tests initially cleared her, according to a report by SWNS.

Tooth’s recent mammogram, reviewed by two radiologists, showed no signs of cancer. However, her scan was also analyzed by Mammography Intelligent Assessment, an AI system being tested by University Hospitals Sussex. The AI detected cancer cells invisible to the human eye, alerting doctors to her condition.

“I’m deeply grateful for it being caught so early,” Tooth told SWNS. “All the staff were amazing — so kind, lovely, and very reassuring.”

A Second Chance

Fifteen years ago, Tooth was diagnosed with non-invasive early breast cancer, making the prospect of another diagnosis particularly frightening. However, she drew comfort from knowing the AI had detected something incredibly small.

Because her cancer was found at such an early stage, Tooth was able to undergo a lumpectomy without needing additional treatment.

“Being 68, this may have been my last mammogram,” she shared. “Without the AI, my early cancer might have gone undetected and developed into invasive cancer in my 70s. I just feel so lucky.”

The Power of AI in Healthcare

Dr. Olga Strukowska, a consultant radiologist and director of the West Sussex Breast Screening Program, highlighted AI’s growing importance in medical diagnostics.

“As AI continues Dr. Strukowska explained, “The earlier and more accurately we detect cancer, the better the chances our patients have for a positive outcome. AI increases accuracy, reduces missed diagnoses, and lowers false positives, making it an invaluable tool in modern healthcare.”

Dr. Harvey Castro, an ER physician and AI expert in Texas, echoed this sentiment, calling Sheila Tooth’s story a “powerful testament to how AI transforms breast cancer detection and saves lives.”

“This isn’t about replacing radiologists,” Castro said. “It’s about empowering them to provide the highest standard of care. AI acts as a safety net, catching what the human eye might miss and offering a second opinion that leads to earlier and more accurate diagnoses.”

A Collaborative Approach

Fox News medical contributor Dr. Nicole Saphier agreed, emphasizing the synergy between human expertise and AI in revolutionizing cancer detection.

“AI enhances our ability to spot subtle abnormalities that might otherwise go unnoticed,” she said. “Faster and more precise analysis of mammograms allows us to diagnose breast cancer earlier, giving patients a better chance at successful treatment and recovery.”

Saphier added that while AI’s capabilities are impressive, the ideal approach combines technology with human insight. “The true sweet spot is the collaboration between the trained human eye and AI, where each complements the other’s strengths,” she said.

A Grateful Patient

Sheila Tooth remains amazed by the technology that caught her cancer early enough to avoid invasive treatments.

“When I talk to friends, we just can’t believe this AI can detect what even skilled professionals might miss,” she said. “It’s extraordinary, and I’m so grateful for it.”

With stories like Tooth’s, AI is proving to be a game-changer in the fight against breast cancer, offering hope to countless others through earlier detection and better outcomes.