An AI can determine your 12-year lung cancer risk by looking at a chest X-ray

A deep learning model--a form of artificial intelligence (AI)--was more accurate than the current clinical standard at predicting a person's 12-year risk of developing lung cancer. The model's predictions are based on chest radiograph images (CXRs) and basic demographic data (age, sex, and current smoking status) commonly available in electronic health records (EHRs). The findings are published in Annals of Internal Medicine. Lung cancer screening with chest computed tomography (CT) scans can prevent lung cancer death. However, Medicare's current standard to determine who is eligible for lung cancer screening CT misses most lung cancers. Furthermore, lung cancer screening participation is poor, with an estimated less than 5 percent of screening-eligible persons being screened.