Pennsylvania officials promote AI breast cancer screening during awareness month

Leaders from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Insurance Department are scheduled to visit the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre to highlight new breast cancer screening technologies. The event aims to encourage women across the state to schedule their annual mammograms.

According to state officials, more than 13,000 women in Pennsylvania were diagnosed with breast cancer last year. Geisinger's new artificial intelligence (AI) pilot program is designed to enhance prevention efforts by using AI technology to identify patients at higher risk and help them arrange screenings.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place each October. During this period, healthcare providers and advocates focus on promoting early detection, which can lead to easier treatment and better survival rates. Breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the state.

"Programs like Geisinger's new AI pilot program build on breast cancer prevention services by using AI to identify patients at the highest risk and assist them in scheduling their annual mammogram," according to a statement from organizers.

The event will feature Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen, Pennsylvania Insurance Department Policy Director Caroline Beohm, Geisinger Northeast Region Chief Administrative Officer Ron Beer, and Division Chief of Hematology/Oncology Ahmad Hanif. It will be held on Monday, October 27 at 11:00 AM at the Geisinger Medical Office Building in Wilkes-Barre.

Members of the media who wish to attend are asked to RSVP with their name and affiliation.