A study from UT Southwestern Medical Center indicates that most women in the Dallas area are open to artificial intelligence assisting in reading their mammograms, but they prefer a human radiologist to oversee the process.
The research data were collected from 924 patients who received mammograms at two hospitals: the William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital and Parkland Health.
Overall, 71.5% supported using AI to assist in interpreting mammogram images, provided a radiologist oversees the process.
Only a small fraction of the surveyed women—just 6.6%—said they would be fine with AI handling the reading entirely on its own. However, nearly 60% even preferred waiting hours or even days for a radiologist’s review rather than getting instant results from AI alone.
“This is the first study to look at patient views on AI in mammography across different hospital settings,” said lead researcher Dr. Basak Dogan, Professor of Radiology and Director of Breast Imaging Research. “It reveals how demographic and socioeconomic factors shape acceptance, trust, and concerns about AI integration in breast cancer screening.”
Patients in the recent survey also made it clear they want transparency.
Nearly 74% said they should be told if AI is being used to help read their mammograms, or even asked for their consent beforehand.
More than 80% expressed at least one worry, including data privacy, potential “bias” in the technology, concerns about accuracy, or even how it might affect their overall relationship with their doctor.
A strong majority – 84% – wanted a radiologist to double-check any abnormality that AI flagged. In contrast, only 44% wanted AI to review something a radiologist had already spotted.
Notably, the study noted particular concerns among non-Hispanic Black participants, who were less likely to accept AI and more worried about privacy.
Dr. Emily Knippa, an associate professor of radiology at UT Southwestern, spoke briefly about practical steps forward for AI applications. “As AI is increasingly used in breast imaging interpretation, attention should be paid to educate patients about the role of AI, obtain consent for its use, and provide safeguards to protect data privacy,” she said.
UT Southwestern reportedly began using AI in its mammography program in early 2023. The technology connects directly to the system radiologists use, showing AI suggestions alongside images during routine medical reviews. Patients get general information in consent forms about possible AI assistance, which is allegedly pretty similar to older computer-aided detection tools that have been around for years.
Dogan added that modern AI, trained on vast amounts of data, tends to be more precise and produces fewer false alarms than older systems, which could mean fewer unnecessary follow-up tests and more confidence for doctors.
The recent survey data builds on earlier research by Dogan’s team exploring patient attitudes toward AI in breast imaging. As AI continues to play a bigger role in health care, the study highlights the importance of keeping patients informed and involved to build trust.
For local women facing regular screenings, the message is reassuring: AI can help spot potential issues more effectively, but Dallas doctors aren’t handing over the final judgment on medical image analysis anytime soon.
