Continental Hospitals Adopts AI for Early Cancer Detection

The hospital has already screened over 1,500 patients using AI-powered mammography and chest nodule detection technology in recent months.

Continental Hospitals in Hyderabad has integrated artificial intelligence (AI) into cancer screening, aiming to enhance early detection and improve patient outcomes. The initiative, developed in collaboration with global institutions including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Mayo Clinic, and research centers in the Netherlands, focuses on identifying breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers at early stages.

The hospital has already screened over 1,500 patients using AI-powered mammography and chest nodule detection technology in recent months.

Cost and Impact of Early Detection

Guru N. Reddy, founder and chairman of Continental Hospitals, highlighted the financial impact of early cancer diagnosis. “Early-stage cancer treatment in India costs around ₹5 lakh, but in advanced stages, expenses can exceed ₹25 lakh. Even though India’s healthcare costs are lower than in countries like the United States, this remains a heavy burden for families,” he stated.

Continental Hospitals aims to mitigate this burden by facilitating early diagnosis through AI, potentially reducing treatment costs and improving survival rates.

Functionality of AI Algorithms

Continental Hospitals employs two FDA-approved AI algorithms for cancer detection. Ruju Doshi, senior consultant radiologist, explained their functionality:

“The first algorithm, developed in the Netherlands, detects breast cancer, while the second, from MIT, predicts a woman’s risk of developing it within five years. When a mammogram is performed, the AI instantly classifies the risk level—low, intermediate, or elevated—allowing immediate follow-up imaging if needed. This process eliminates multiple visits and accelerates diagnosis,” she said.

Suhasini Devi P., senior consultant in radiology, emphasized AI’s role in managing high imaging volumes. “A single CT scan generates hundreds of images, overwhelming radiologists. AI streamlines this by handling routine evaluations, enhancing image clarity with 3D rendering, and suggesting potential diagnoses,” she explained.