A women visited the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, after finding a lump in her right breast, where a mammogram revealed a suspicious tumour. Doctors recommended a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer cells. Meanwhile, AI software at AIIMS examined her images and predicted the tumour was cancerous. A week later, the biopsy confirmed the AI’s prediction.
As India grapples with an escalating cancer burden—projected to rise by 13% by 2025, according to ICMR data—artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are emerging as vital tools to combat mortality through early and accurate diagnosis.
“AI tools can predict cancer risk with 90% accuracy, helping oncologists intervene promptly,” says Dr. Ashok Sharma, additional professor at AIIMS’s biochemistry department. His team, in collaboration with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune, has developed iOncology.ai, a web platform integrating clinical and imaging data. “The platform employs advanced algorithms to detect ovarian and breast malignancies early, enabling personalised treatments,” he adds.
AI’s Reliability on Breast Cancer Detection
Globally, AI-assisted screenings have demonstrated impressive results. A German study involving 460,000 women, published in Nature Medicine, revealed that AI-assisted screenings improved breast cancer detection rates by 17.6%.
Dr. Nita Nair, lead consultant for breast surgery at Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, highlights the benefits of AI in diagnostics: “AI scans mammograms with remarkable accuracy and automates biopsy sample analysis, expediting diagnosis and improving precision.”
AI is also democratizing cancer care. “Our AI-powered mobile mammography units have screened thousands in remote villages, transmitting digital images to urban centers for expert review. This early detection reduces the burden of advanced-stage disease,” she adds.
Promising Results from AI Tools
In a Punjab government pilot project, over 12,000 women were screened for breast cancer using two portable AI-based Thermalytix units in district hospitals and primary and community health centres across the state. Around 15% had at least one breast complaint, and 22 were detected with cancer.
“Thermalytix, which uses thermography (infra-red radiation to capture thermal image of the body), shows promising accuracy, especially in dense breast tissue, where conventional mammograms often struggle. Combining AI tools with traditional methods may enhance diagnostic reliability,” says Dr. Sewanti Limaye, director of medical precision oncology at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai.
AI in Other Cancer Treatments
AI’s influence extends beyond diagnostics. Research supported by the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) demonstrates how AI imaging algorithms predict long-term risks of invasive cancers, including cervical and prostate cancers.
“Machine learning algorithms applied to chest X-rays and CT scans are helping radiologists in India to detect lung nodules and tumours earlier,” says Dr. Nair. This capability allows surgeons for timely interventions that can improve patient outcomes.
AI algorithms are also effective in radiation therapy. Dr. Prashant Chandra, surgical oncologist at TGH Onco Life Cancer Centre in Talegaon, successfully treated a 70-year-old male with stage 4 lung cancer using the AI-integrated Radixact System, integrated with Al-based Synchrony real-time motion technology.
“The advanced system identifies the tumour’s exact location and adapts in real-time to patient movement, ensuring precise radiation delivery. This minimizes patient stress while maximizing treatment efficacy,” says Dr. Chandra, adding that similar methods are being used for liver, gastrointestinal, and prostate cancers treatment.
Genetic Testing with AI
AI is also advancing genetic testing for hereditary cancers. Dr. Amrit Kaur Kaler, molecular pathology consultant at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, recounts the case of a 32-year-old man with early-stage colon cancer.
“His twin brother had succumbed to colorectal cancer within 18 months of diagnosis. After counselling the surviving twin, Al-guided genetic testing revealed a rare mutation in the POLE gene linked to colorectal and endometrial cancers. Early detection allowed for timely intervention, and the patient remains under regular monitoring without aggressive treatment,” she says.
In India and abroad, AI is transforming oncology through early diagnosis and precision treatment. These techniques hold potential for improved health outcomes and increased access to high-quality cancer care with further research and ethical application.
