In South Africa, October marks breast cancer awareness, and regards this, the CEO and founder of Medsol, Kathryn Malherbe is currently developing a much-needed tech solution to breast cancer screening. Currently, the innovative local entrepreneur is working on developing AI Software and deep machine learning (DML) to facilitate the identification and segmentation of breast cancer for breast ultrasound in the diagnostic imaging sector.
The development of the solution was spurred on by the lack of access that South African women in rural areas have to screenings. According to reports, breast cancer contributes to a high mortality rate of South African women and those living in rural areas.
Malherbe explains the inspiration behind the creation of the software solution. The lack of access of South African rural women to screenings led to the development of the solution. According to reports, breast cancer contributes to a high mortality rate of women in South Africa and those that live in rural areas. Malherbe explains what inspires her to create the software
“We want to make AI available to every individual from all aspects of life, not just for patients from private hospitals. A lot of women get to diagnose with breast cancer late and we are trying to narrow the gap so that women can have fair and early treatment. A lot of clinical do not have the required facilities and to do biopsies, it can take up to six months for patients to get the results required which delays their standard care.”
Medsol Breast AI
Medsol Breast AI, the innovative tech-based solution incorporates the use of a platform that receives ultrasound units images in practice. Immediately these the images are received, they are sent to a unique system that identifies any breast cancer mass abnormalities. The platform identifies breast cancer mass abnormalities and provides diagnostic solutions, support required by patients, and education.
Malherbe provides insight into the AI solution.
“Our software is mobile and hands-free and is fit in for rural-based institutions that want to enhance their diagnostic output. Women who live in rural areas experience higher false-positive cancer rates on diagnostic mammography. Their mammography screening uptake is also low and more advanced stage cancer at diagnosis.”
Currently, completing her Ph.D. in Clinical Anatomy at the University of Pretoria, and has worked for 15 years in clinical practice and have always shown interest in why breast cancer is often missed during traditional ultrasound imaging.
“We employ survivors of breast cancer as ambassadors to promote breast education. This boosts the local economy through job creation and breaking the stigma associated with the disease. The ambassador campaign started in 2020 and throughout we have employed more than 25 women across the country and have educated and supported more than 122, 000 women on our online platform. We are now hoping to expand to Tanzania, Namibia, and Zambia.”
