AI-assisted Screening Detects 22 Lung Cancer Cases In Two Months

KUALA SELANGOR, Nov 2 (Bernama) -- The use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in lung health screening conducted by the Ministry of Health has proven effective, with 22 cases of lung cancer detected within two months since the programme was implemented in July.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the screening was carried out at seven health clinics (KK) nationwide with the objective of identifying diseases at an early stage, particularly among smokers and industrial workers who were at risk.

“Since its implementation, a total of 3,482 X-ray examinations have been conducted involving at-risk respondents aged 18 and above. This resulted in 3,778 findings of concern, including 229 cases of lung growths.

“Of that number, 22 cases were confirmed as lung cancer. The use of AI has enabled faster and more accurate detection, thereby increasing patients’ chances of receiving early treatment,” he told reporters after officiating the Ramah Mesra Santuni MADANI Programme at Pantai Jeram here today.

He said AI technology played an important role in enhancing public health diagnostic capabilities by detecting early signs of disease more efficiently compared to conventional methods.

At the same time, he said the Health Ministry was also using rapid molecular testing technology, which could produce test results in less than two hours compared to 48 hours previously.

“This technology-based approach allows us to conduct more targeted screenings, especially for vulnerable groups such as heavy smokers,” he said.

In a related development, Dr Dzulkefly said the government remained committed to strengthening the enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) to curb the sale and use of smoking products, including electronic cigarettes.

He said lung health issues had now been raised at the international level after he presented the World Lung Initiative agenda at the World Health Assembly in Geneva several months ago.

“This initiative has also received support from the World Health Organisation (WHO) to enhance global awareness of lung care,” he said.

The seven health clinics involved in the implementation of the lung health screening programme were KK Seberang Perai, KK Kok Lanas, KK Beserah, KK Luyang, KK Kajang, KK Batu 9 and KK Pendang, each supported by a nearby referral hospital.

-- BERNAMA