Sutter Health enhancing breast cancer screenings with AI

Sutter Health in California is expanding and enhancing its breast cancer screening capabilities by embracing artificial intelligence, touting its potential to enhance mammography's ability to detect cancer early.

The nonprofit has expanded access to AI-driven breast health diagnostics across its system, with the secure infrastructure now supporting more than 60 imaging sites across the system. 

The program has already delivered a measurable impact since its spring launch, the system said. Breast cancer detection rates increased from 4.8 to more than 6 per 1,000 screenings in that time, and there were reduced instances of false positives.

WHAT'S THE IMPACT 

In the second quarter of 2025, more than 35,000 screening mammograms were processed through the AI program. 

Fourteen percent of women were flagged as high-risk during that period. About 7% identified as extremely high-risk, which enabled early intervention.

Thirty-eight percent of patients had dense breast tissue, where AI offers added value, according to Sutter.

The AI-enhanced mammography has also made its way to the Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center’s 40-foot mobile mammography van, a clinic on wheels that brings 3D mammography services to women in the East Bay and surrounding areas.

Since launching in the spring, the van has helped process nearly 500 screening mammograms using AI through September, the system said.

“By expanding access and investing in innovation, we’re redefining cancer care from prevention to survivorship, today and for the future,” said Dr. Nitin Rohatgi, medical oncologist and chair of the Breast Cancer Programs of Oncology Distinction at Sutter Health.

THE LARGER TREND 

Eighty-eight percent of health systems are using artificial intelligence internally, but just 18% have a mature governance structure and fully formed AI strategy, according to an August report from the Healthcare Financial Management Association and market research company Eliciting Insights.

Governance is lacking despite the fact that 71% of survey respondents have identified and deployed pilot or full AI solutions in finance, revenue cycle management or clinical functional areas.

The use of artificial intelligence in healthcare is gaining popularity among physicians, found a February survey from the American Medical Association, though many remain guarded in their enthusiasm due to lingering concerns.