AI now brings its superpowers to mammography, boosting the screening tool’s known abilities to help detect breast cancer earlier and increase the chances of successful treatment.
California-based Sutter Health is one organization embracing the innovation. The integrated, not-for-profit has expanded access to AI-driven breast health diagnostics across its system. Powered by Ferrum Health’s platform, this secure AI infrastructure now supports more than 60 imaging sites across the system, helping optimize performance by standardizing care, accelerating detection and delivering insights to clinicians and patients alike.
Since launching, the overall AI-powered program across Sutter has already delivered measurable impact:
Improved detection: Breast cancer detection rates increased from 4.8 to more than 6.0 per 1,000 screenings.
Reduced false positives: These are apparent abnormalities seen via mammogram that, after further evaluation, are found not to be cancer. Fewer false positives mean fewer unnecessary follow-up visits and procedures.
Sutter Health is a recognized leader in cancer care. It advances a unique model of comprehensive, integrated and connected care driven by expert teams, innovative technologies and pioneering research.
Today, Sutter provides safe, effective screenings to catch cancer early at more than 60 imaging locations. More than 370,000 mammogram screenings are performed annually across the system. Sutter diagnoses about 4,100 people with breast cancer each year.
For more information, visit sutterhealth.org
Other notable statistics include:
- Nearly 500 screening mammograms processed using AI through September
- 12% of women flagged as high-risk
- 3% identified as extremely high-risk, enabling early intervention
- 38% of patients had dense breast tissue, where AI offers added value
- 42% of studies showed no AI marks, helping radiologists read with greater efficiency and confidence
“By expanding access and investing in innovation, we’re redefining cancer care from prevention to survivorship, today and for the future,” said Dr. Nitin Rohatgi, medical oncologist and chair of the Breast Cancer Programs of Oncology Distinction, or POD, at Sutter Health.
Sutter’s latest AI-enhanced mammography is now part of the Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center’s 40-foot mobile mammography van. A state-of-the-art clinic on wheels, it brings 3D mammography services to women in the East Bay and surrounding areas. The service is particularly helpful to those who face challenges with transportation, scheduling or access to traditional clinic settings.
“We are honored to work with Sutter Health in extending access to life-changing diagnostics throughout their footprint,” said Pelu Tran, CEO and co-founder of Ferrum Health. “Our platform is built to support health systems so they have the oversight they need to deploy safe and powerful clinical AI tools — from major medical centers to mobile vans serving vulnerable populations — while maintaining security, privacy and strong governance.”
