Breast cancer is a major health concern that often goes undetected until it's too late, particularly among Māori and Pacific women in New Zealand. Our new research project aims to change that by using advanced Artificial Intelligence to analyze mammograms more precisely. The focus is on 'breast density,' a factor that can hide cancer from traditional screenings.

Our team will use AI algorithms to look at historical mammogram images, giving us a better understanding of breast density patterns in Māori and Pacific women. This will help us determine who is at higher risk of breast cancer and needs more regular check-ups. We’ll also be validating our AI tools rigorously to ensure they are fair and accurate for all ethnic groups. The goal is to catch breast cancer earlier, which could mean less invasive treatments and better survival rates. This work will serve as a foundation for future research in personalized cancer screening. We're not just creating new tech—we're doing it in a way that embraces Manaakitanga, making sure everyone has an equal chance at life-saving early detection.

FIRST NAMED INVESTIGATOR: Dr Nicholas Knowlton
HOST INVESTIGATOR: University of Auckland