Mammogram screenings, the pivotal tool in the fight against breast cancer, can be a stressful experience for many women. For many, it is a process laden with a nerve-racking fear of what to expect and what might be revealed.
Compounding these feelings of unease is the time it takes to get the results. After the procedure, women are left to wait anxiously for their doctor to analyse the results and eventually share their findings with them.
Adding on to the list of concerns, there is the worrisome possibility of false alarms or misinterpreted results, which could lead to more time and resources spent on additional tests or an underdiagnosis.
Bridging the gap
Understanding this pressing healthcare challenge, Singaporean pharmaceutical startup Wellesta Holdings, in partnership with Malaysia’s growing healthcare company Ancom Truelife and IT investment holding firm Privasia Technology Berhad, has introduced an advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) software solution, FX Mammo, aimed at transforming mammogram screenings throughout the nation. It is engineered to address various concerns associated with breast cancer detection.
This AI software was unveiled on October 20, 2023 during a signing ceremony to officiate the partnership.
The momentous occasion witnessed the presence of key stakeholders, including Ancom Nylex Berhad Executive Chairman, Dato Siew Ka Wei, Wellesta Holdings Chairman and Managing Director, Milan Paleja and Privasia Technology Berhad Chief Executive Office, Datuk Puvanesan Subenthiran.
Also present were Ancom Truelife Sdn Bhd Executive Chairman, Datuk Hasnul Hassan and their Chief Executive Officer Joe Pramesh Ganesaguru, Country Manager for Wellesta Healthcare Malaysia, Sally Kuah and Privasia’s Planning, Operations, and Special Projects Head, Hasbullah Hassin.
Meet the future of breast health
Why is there an urgent need to bring change to the breast cancer detection landscape?
When asked about the urgency, the game-changers answered with some hard facts.Hasbullah underlined the fact that breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women, making early detection crucial for better treatment outcomes.
“Breast cancer detected at Stage 1 boasts a survival rate of more than 90 per cent, while at Stage 4, the survival rate is only about 20 per cent, primarily because there is currently no cure available,” he says.
According to Hasbullah, in Malaysia, the screening rate for breast cancer is a mere 3.6 per cent, and there are approximately 1.9 radiologists per 100,000 women.
How does FX Mammo fill in the gaps?
Hasbullah explains, “The AI solution we are providing can accurately and rapidly analyse mammograms in two to three minutes, significantly reducing the time required compared to the conventional process and minimising the occurrence of false positives and false negatives in cancer detection.”
Wellesta Holdings Chairman and Managing Director, Milan Paleja as well as Privasia’s Planning, Operations, and Special Projects Head, Hasbullah Hassin reiterated that FX Mammo will not replace the role of medical experts. Instead, the AI software solution will assist in lightening the burden on radiologists while providing more ease and efficacy in the healthcare system.
FX Mammo received approval from the Malaysian Device Authority (MDA) on February 24, 2023. This cutting-edge software will soon be available in private and government healthcare institutions equipped with mammogram machines.
Expect more healthcare solutions to come
Milan Paleja, Chairman and Managing Director of Wellesta, reiterates his confidence in AI as the future of healthcare saying, “AI is the future”.
He adds, “This partnership aims to enhance early breast cancer detection, ultimately improving the health and lives of Malaysian women. The FX Mammo, touted as one of the most powerful AI tools for breast cancer diagnosis, is set to revolutionise the way radiologists analyse mammograms”.
He also expressed Wellesta Holdings’ enthusiasm about partnering with Ancom Truelife to bring more game-changing technology to Malaysia in the future, saying “We are very happy to share that we are bringing many more healthcare products in the coming period to Malaysians”.
Echoing the spirit of transformation and change, Dato Siew chimes, “The partnership with Wellesta Holdings aligns with the Malaysian government’s objective of promoting a healthy nation.”
“The introduction of FX Mammo marks a significant step towards creating a healthier and more accessible healthcare system in Malaysia, one that leverages the power of AI to make a lasting impact on the fight against breast cancer”.
The promise of early, precise, and affordable solutions for Malaysians leaves no doubt that Wellesta Holdings, Ancom Truelife, and Privasia Technology will continue to spearhead groundbreaking innovations in the future.
