Smart tech spots cancer signs

15/11/22

Artificial intelligence technology that improves cancer survival rates through earlier detection is now available in the Toowoomba region for the first time.

The Toowoomba Surgicentre has invested in the latest endoscopy equipment to help clinicians with analysis and diagnosis of patients’ conditions, such as bowel cancer.

The new Olympus CV-1500 imaging system has already been successfully trialled at another Cura Day Hospitals Group facility in Brisbane.

Chermside Day Hospital was the first in the Asia-Pacific region to use this technology, which works in a similar way to facial recognition systems used in cameras and smartphones.  

Toowoomba Surgicentre CEO and Director of Nursing, Dheena Naidoo, said the Olympus processor and scopes had improved enhancements, image quality and depth of focal field that increased chances of early cancer detection.

Clinical studies show that this type of technology can boost detection rates by up to 10 percent, automatically flagging up small polyps or lesions that might otherwise go unseen.

“The 4K-quality image endoscope works in combination with AI polyp detection which has shown improved detection of polyps and may contribute to the overall improvement of clinical outcomes,” Ms Naidoo said.

Based in Queensland’s Darling Downs region, Toowoomba Surgicentre provides a comprehensive suite of surgical services with its redeveloped, fully-equipped procedure room along with three state-of-the-art operating theatres.

It joined Cura Day Hospitals Group in 2008.