WILKES-BARRE, PA — The Shapiro Administration on Tuesday spotlighted a new artificial intelligence program being used at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center to identify women at high risk for breast cancer — a step Pennsylvania officials say could reshape early detection and help close screening gaps statewide.
The initiative, announced during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, combines advanced data analytics with proactive outreach. Each month, Geisinger’s AI system reviews patient records to identify women overdue for mammograms and flags those most likely to benefit from immediate screening. Care teams then reach out to schedule appointments, bridging one of the most persistent barriers to early detection: follow-through.
“Early identification of breast cancer is the key to long-term survival,” said Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. “Innovative technologies like this one are transforming care, especially for those at highest risk.”
Dr. Ahmad Hanif, Geisinger’s Division Chief of Hematology and Oncology, described the AI model as a “critical step” in improving outcomes. The system helps clinicians better understand patient risk factors and tailor prevention strategies, he said.
The pilot program, expected to conclude in December 2025, will provide data to refine statewide early detection programs. If successful, it could serve as a blueprint for other health systems adopting predictive analytics to target high-risk patients.
The initiative builds on the foundation of Act 1 of 2023, landmark legislation signed by Governor Josh Shapiro requiring insurers to cover preventive breast and ovarian cancer screenings — including MRIs, ultrasounds, genetic testing, and counseling — at no cost for women at elevated risk. Pennsylvania remains the only state in the nation with such a comprehensive coverage mandate.
“Women shouldn’t have to choose between their health and financial security,” said Pennsylvania Insurance Department Policy Director Caroline Beohm. “By eliminating cost barriers and improving early detection, we’re helping more women get the care they need before cancer spreads.”
Potential Impact
Breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death among women, with more than 13,000 new diagnoses reported in Pennsylvania last year — a rate higher than the national average. About two-thirds of U.S. breast cancers are caught before spreading, dramatically improving survival rates.
Experts say the integration of AI into screening programs could further improve those odds by identifying at-risk patients who might otherwise go undiagnosed. In the long term, widespread adoption could reduce treatment costs, ease strain on oncology services, and lower mortality rates.
State officials also emphasized continued support for uninsured and underinsured women through the Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (PA-BCCEDP), which has provided more than 29,000 free screenings since 2015 and detected over 900 cancers.
By merging cutting-edge technology, insurance reform, and community health outreach, Pennsylvania is positioning itself as a national leader in precision prevention — one that could redefine how early detection programs are delivered and measured in public health.
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