TRENDS IN DISEASE SCREENING USING LOW-DOSE CT COMBINED WITH AI
In recent years, the healthcare market has witnessed the explosion of a new model: Proactive disease screening using low-dose CT scans combined with artificial intelligence (AI). “Fast, convenient, and comprehensive” – this model is gradually becoming the popular choice for many individuals and companies. But behind this rapid development, an important question needs to be asked: Is this the optimal screening method from a medical perspective ?
Before answering the question above, let’s explore why this model was so readily accepted.
1. It’s not difficult to understand the appeal of this model.
Firstly, in modern life, with numerous health risks stemming from the environment, lifestyle, diet, exercise, etc., almost everyone worries about cancer and chronic diseases – which often progress silently and are difficult to detect in the early stages. In the later stages, treatment becomes complex, with many complications, expensive, and the prognosis is very guarded. This has led to a widespread belief in the community: “It’s necessary to detect diseases as early as possible.”
Secondly, there is a trend towards comprehensive health monitoring rather than separate specialist examinations. A comprehensive CT scan package that examines multiple body areas combined with AI technology gives the feeling that: “I’ve been ‘checked everything,’ no diseases have been missed, and I can have peace of mind.”
Furthermore, AI is often perceived as highly accurate and error-free – although in reality, AI cannot replace doctors but is merely a powerful tool to assist them.
2. When medical decisions become “an easily marketable product”
Low-dose CT scanning combined with AI is also rapidly developing due to its ability to simplify medical decisions. Instead of having to choose between multiple specialties and complex test packages in the traditional model, users now only need to select a single comprehensive screening service. The service experience is also optimized for simplicity, saving time, providing clear advice, and minimizing invasiveness.
However, from a professional perspective, the use of low-dose CT in mass screening needs careful consideration. Reputable organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) do not recommend whole-body CT scans for healthy individuals without specific risk factors, as there is no clear evidence of a benefit in reducing mortality.
The main limitations of this method include:
- Risk of radiation accumulation: CT scans use X-rays; scanning multiple areas will increase the total X-ray exposure over time, even at low doses.
- Over-diagnosis: Benign lesions are easily detected, leading to unnecessary tests and interventions.
- Increased costs and anxiety: “Accidental” detection of lesions can lead to prolonged examinations and follow-up, impacting mental health.
- False sense of security: Normal CT scan results cannot completely rule out pathology, especially in the early stages.
The principles of an effective screening program should be based on:
- Assess individual risk and family history
- Scientific evidence on the value of screening
- Balancing benefits and risks
Meanwhile, most current models tend to focus on detecting as many abnormalities as possible rather than optimizing clinical value.
Therefore, before choosing a screening package, everyone needs appropriate guidance from reputable and dedicated healthcare professionals.
Authors: HealthBridge Vietnam’s experts’ team.