Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way doctors predict and prevent diseases. Recent research confirms that AI can now predict the risk of breast cancer up to five years before it actually develops. This breakthrough has been proven by leading institutes like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Duke University. Their studies show that AI can spot early warning signs in mammograms—years before cancer appears.

How Does This AI Technology Work?

AI models such as Mirai and AsymMirai are trained using hundreds of thousands of mammogram images. These powerful systems look for tiny changes in breast tissue that even experienced doctors might miss. By comparing images of both breasts, the AI can pick up on subtle differences and patterns linked to a higher risk of cancer in the future.

What sets these new AI models apart is their ability to focus on localised differences between the breasts, making their predictions clearer and easier for doctors to understand. In tests, these models have matched or even outperformed traditional risk calculators that use age and family history.

How Accurate Is the Prediction?

The results are impressive. In clinical studies, the AsymMirai model correctly identified women who would develop breast cancer in about 66% to 88% of cases, depending on how often the changes appeared in their mammograms. Other studies found that AI could predict the risk of breast cancer four to six years before a diagnosis, doing better than older risk models.

This means doctors can find women at higher risk much earlier. These women can then get more regular or advanced screening, which could lead to finding cancer sooner, needing less aggressive treatment, and improving survival chances.

What Does This Mean for India and the World?

Breast cancer is a big health challenge in India and around the world. Early detection is key, but many women are diagnosed late. AI-powered prediction could transform breast cancer screening by helping doctors give more personalised care. Some hospitals abroad are already using this technology, and tests are underway to make sure it works well for women from all backgrounds.

While these AI models are a huge step forward, experts say more testing is needed in real-world clinics. Researchers are also working to combine AI predictions with other risk factors and new imaging methods to make the predictions even better.