Dr. Rachel Brem, a board‑certified diagnostic radiologist who leads the Breast Imaging and Intervention program at George Washington University, has spent her career focused on catching breast cancer sooner. Inspired at age 12 by her mother’s diagnosis and the early detection that extended her mother’s life far beyond an initial six‑month prognosis, Brem now heads the Brem Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes innovative screening, education and equitable access.
AI Enhancements to Mammography
On a recent episode of the podcast “Healthful,” Brem highlighted how artificial intelligence is poised to reshape breast‑cancer detection. She collaborates with ScreenPoint Medical on Transpara, an AI‑driven software that evaluates mammograms. Scientific studies cited by Brem indicate that pairing AI with standard mammography can identify cancers up to five years earlier than imaging alone, spotting warning signs that might otherwise be missed. The technology also generates risk predictions even when a mammogram shows no visible tumor.
Brem envisions a future where women begin AI‑augmented screening at age 35—earlier than the start ages recommended by most major medical groups. Each new analysis helps the algorithm refine its accuracy, creating a self‑improving system. At George Washington University, the AI tool has been incorporated into every mammogram for more than four years, and the university reports that the addition does not increase the cost of the exam.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has already cleared certain AI applications for breast‑cancer risk assessment and detection, yet nationwide adoption remains limited. Only about 20 % of imaging practices currently pair AI with mammograms, and in many settings the AI readout incurs an extra fee that can restrict access for lower‑income patients.
Brem stressed that while no method can guarantee absolute prevention, AI has the potential to reduce long‑standing inequities. Black women, for example, die from breast cancer at a rate roughly 40 % higher than White women, and women with fewer resources often encounter barriers to routine mammography. By making high‑quality AI analysis widely available, Brem believes the disparity gap can be narrowed.
Experimental Breath Test for Breast Cancer
Beyond imaging, Brem is involved in developing a non‑invasive breath test that could signal the presence of breast cancer. Diseased tissue releases specific chemical compounds that become volatile gases; researchers aim to detect those signatures in exhaled breath. The concept remains in experimental and clinical‑trial phases and has not yet received FDA clearance for screening purposes.
According to Brem, the breath test would eliminate the discomfort associated with compression, injections or radiation, offering a painless alternative for initial assessment. She also described a longer‑term vision of a women’s‑health panel that could evaluate multiple conditions from a single breath sample, expanding the utility of the technology beyond breast cancer alone.
Screening Guidelines and Call for Earlier, Comprehensive Exams
Current recommendations differ among professional bodies. The American College of Physicians, as of 2026, advises biennial mammograms for women over 50, while the United States Preventive Services Task Force suggests starting biennial screening at age 40. Brem labeled this disparity a “travesty,” warning that adherence to the later start age could cost lives.
Based on her research, Brem advocates for annual mammography beginning at age 40 for the general population, and at age 35 for those with a family history of breast cancer. She acknowledges that anxiety and fear of a positive result often cause women to postpone or avoid screening, but emphasizes that early detection dramatically improves outcomes. “Ninety‑nine percent of women with early‑stage breast cancer survive and thrive,” she noted, underscoring the importance of timely diagnosis.
Half of all women have dense breast tissue, which can obscure tumors on standard mammograms. Brem recommends supplemental imaging—such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging or contrast‑enhanced mammography—for these patients, urging women to request additional exams when dense tissue is present. Supplemental screening is not universally offered, making patient advocacy essential.
Through her foundation’s two‑decade‑long effort, Brem provides resources to educate women about these issues and encourages a proactive stance. “We tell women to be badass,” she said, urging patients to assert their right to comprehensive, equitable care.
Mitchell Landsberg is a Senior Technology Correspondent at News Raise. He covers consumer electronics, artificial intelligence, software developments, and digital privacy trends.
