AI could help breast screening save more lives

Cancer Research UK |February 2020 |AI could help breast screening save more lives

A new blog post from Cancer Research details how artificial intelligence (AI) could help to save more lives in the identification of breast cancer. In collaboration with Google Health the leading cancer charity, has led on research to develop artificial intelligence that not only has the potential to change the way we detect breast cancer but could also save the NHS time and money.  Scientists from these organisation have created a database that contains more than 2000 mammograms (anonymised). The data can be used by academics and commercial partners to benefit patients (Source: Cancer Research UK) 

Full details about the screening project and how it came to be are available from CRUK 

See also:

Cancer Research UK Artificial intelligence could help breast screening save more lives

OnMedica Artificial intelligence could help breast screening save more lives

Psychological Processes and Symptom Outcomes in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study

Full reference: Chinh, K. | 2020| Psychological Processes and Symptom Outcomes in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study| Mindfulness | https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-019-01299-0

A study that conducted secondary analyses to examine the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for cancer-related fatigue on mindfulness facets, self-compassion, and psychological inflexibility. The researchers also examined whether changes in these processes were associated with the symptom outcomes of fatigue interference, sleep disturbance, and emotional distress.

Abstract

Objectives

Growing evidence supports the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions for symptoms in cancer survivors. Identifying theory-based psychological processes underlying their effects on symptoms would inform research to enhance their efficacy and cost-effectiveness. We conducted secondary analyses examining the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for cancer-related fatigue on mindfulness facets, self-compassion, and psychological inflexibility. We also examined whether changes in these processes were associated with the symptom outcomes of fatigue interference, sleep disturbance, and emotional distress.

Methods

Thirty-five persistently fatigued cancer survivors (94% female, 77% breast cancer survivors) were randomized to either MBSR for cancer-related fatigue or a waitlist control (WC) condition. Self-report measures were administered at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up. Then the WC group received MBSR and completed a post-intervention follow-up.

Results

Linear mixed modeling analyses of the first three time points showed steady increases over time for certain mindfulness facets (observing, acting with awareness, and nonjudging) and self-compassion in favor of the MBSR group. When analyzing pre- and post-intervention data across study conditions, none of the psychological processes predicted change in fatigue interference. However, increased nonjudging was associated with decreased sleep disturbance, and increased acting with awareness was associated with decreased emotional distress. Self-compassion did not predict change in symptom outcomes.

Conclusions

Results point to specific psychological processes that may be targeted to maximize the efficacy of future MBSR interventions for cancer survivors.

Rotherham NHS staff can have a copy of this article, just contact RFT Library here