Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly relevant in many aspects of society, including health care. For example, it’s already used for robotic surgery and to provide virtual mental health support.

In recent years, scientists have developed AI algorithms that can analyse mammograms for signs of breast cancer. These algorithms may be as good as or better at finding cancers than human radiologists, and save the health-care system money.

At the same time, evidence for the accuracy of AI in breast cancer screening is still emerging. And we need to ensure the benefits would outweigh the risks, such as overdiagnosis. This is where small cancers are detected that wouldn’t cause harm, resulting in unnecessary treatment.

In a new study, my colleagues and I wanted to understand how Australian women – who would be affected if AI were to be introduced into breast screening in the future – feel about the technology.

Breast cancer screening programs reduce the number of women who die from breast cancer by finding cancer early.

In Australia, as in many countries around the world, two specially trained........

© The Conversation