Overview: A potential shift in breast cancer screening
A team of researchers in Montreal is pursuing a simple blood test that could do more than just detect breast cancer. By combining laser-based profiling of immune cells with artificial intelligence (AI), scientists hope to identify signals in the blood that indicate the presence of breast cancer—and, crucially, identify which women are at higher risk. If successful, this approach could expand access to screening, especially for women in remote regions, and offer an alternative for those who find mammography uncomfortable.
The project is led by Dr. Saima Hassan, a researcher at the Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM). She emphasizes interest in extending screening beyond traditional age groups and exploring whether a simple blood draw could streamline early detection for younger women under 50, or even under 30 in some cases. The goal is not to replace existing tests but to add a fast, scalable tool that helps prioritize who should receive further evaluation.
How the blood test works: immune profiling meets AI
The researchers are refining a technology that profiles immune cells using a laser-based approach. By analyzing how immune cells respond and signaling patterns in the bloodstream, they seek markers that differ between women with breast cancer and those without the disease. The data from these blood samples are then fed into an AI system, which learns to recognize combinations of signals most strongly associated with cancer.
Crucially, the AI is trained with samples from women diagnosed with breast cancer and from healthy controls. This “learning” process teaches the model to detect subtle patterns that may elude conventional tests. As the program matures, it could adapt its analysis to individual patient profiles—such as age and ethnicity—embodying the broader aim of precision medicine where care is tailored to the person, not just the disease.
Why this matters now: younger women and access to care
Public health officials in Quebec have signaled the importance of broadening screening to younger age groups. The National Institute of Excellence in Health and Social Services (INESSS) has recommended considering extending the breast cancer screening program to include women aged 45 to 49. Today, routine mammography in the province targets women aged 50 to 74. Meanwhile, epidemiologists have noted an increasing incidence of breast cancer in younger populations, underscoring the need for innovative screening methods that can reach a wider portion of the population, including those in rural or remote areas.
A rapid blood test could democratize access to screening, as blood draws are easier to organize than scheduling regular mammograms for every woman. For some, the test could serve as a triage tool to determine who should receive imaging or a biopsy sooner, potentially reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment.
What remains to prove: timelines and challenges
Although the approach is promising, several years of research lie ahead. The team emphasizes that a definitive diagnosis of breast cancer will still rely on tissue biopsy and established imaging when required. The blood test is envisioned as a first-line tool to stratify patients by risk and prioritize care, rather than as a standalone diagnostic method.
To advance the science, researchers are comparing samples from women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer to those from healthy volunteers, refining which immune and biochemical signals are most informative. The project also contemplates integrating patient characteristics—age, ethnicity, hormonal status—to further fine-tune the AI’s accuracy, a step in line with the goals of precision medicine.
The work involves a multidisciplinary team, including Dr. Réjean Lapointe, engineer Frédéric Leblond, and AI expert Samuel Kadoury. Funding comes from the Canadian Cancer Society and the Lotte & John Hecht Foundation, underscoring the collaborative effort to bring this potential screening tool closer to reality.
Implications for public health and the patient journey
If validated, a blood-based screening tool could transform how we approach breast cancer detection. It would offer a faster, less invasive first assessment, help allocate resources efficiently, and potentially reduce the number of women undergoing unnecessary biopsies. While not a replacement for mammography or biopsy, the tool could serve as a valuable companion in a layered screening strategy, moving us toward earlier detection, better outcomes, and more personalized care for women of all ages.
About the research
The Montreal effort represents a collaboration among clinicians, engineers, and data scientists aiming to translate innovative lab techniques into practical screening tools. As with many AI-driven medical advances, rigorous validation, regulatory review, and real-world testing will determine how soon this approach becomes part of routine care.
