National Doctors’ Day: Is AI a doctor’s boon or unexpected burden? An oncologist weighs in

AI tools are no longer futuristic add-ons. They are becoming an essential part of routine cancer diagnostics, helping doctors interpret scans, slides and even genetic tests with greater precision

From quickly scanning biopsy slides to analysing complex genetic reports, AI is becoming a trusted ally in oncology. This shift allows doctors to detect cancer earlier, personalise treatments and reduce errors, making patient care sharper and more effective than ever.

Cancer diagnosis has always required speed, accuracy and careful judgement. With growing patient numbers and limited specialist time, doctors are now turning to Artificial Intelligence (AI) for support. By analysing complex data sets and picking up subtle signs in scans and biopsies, AI helps oncologists spot cancers earlier and plan treatments more effectively.

According to a study in ScienceDirect, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing a crucial role in cancer diagnosis by improving accuracy, efficiency and personalised care. AI improves image analysis by spotting subtle changes that doctors might miss and reduces human error in interpreting scans.

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It speeds up reporting time, lowers diagnostic costs and uses predictive analytics to assess future cancer risk. AI also enables personalised diagnostic strategies by analysing individual patient profiles. During surgeries, AI offers real-time imaging support for better decision-making. By integrating with electronic health records, AI gives doctors a complete clinical overview, improving cancer care outcomes

Says Dr Akshat Malik, Principal Consultant, Surgical Oncology at Max Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, “AI tools are no longer futuristic add-ons. They are becoming an essential part of routine cancer diagnostics, helping doctors interpret scans, slides and even genetic tests with greater precision.”

Ways AI is helping doctors deliver faster, smarter and more personalised cancer care:

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Analysing medical images and biopsy slides with higher accuracy: AI models now scan mammograms, CTs, MRIs and pathology slides within seconds. These systems highlight suspicious regions, helping radiologists and pathologists focus on potential tumour areas quickly. “In head and neck cancers, AI-assisted imaging helps us identify tumour spread early, reducing the risk of delayed diagnosis,” says Dr Malik.

Decoding genetic and molecular data for targeted treatments: AI can process vast genomic and molecular data to spot cancer-driving mutations and biomarkers. This helps doctors personalise treatments. “AI-driven genomic analysis allows us to find specific gene changes that determine how a patient’s tumour may behave or respond to therapy,” explains Dr Malik.

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Predicting patient outcomes and treatment responses: By combining patient history, imaging and genetic profiles, AI tools help forecast tumour aggression levels and treatment success rates. This assists doctors in making better-informed therapy choices. Dr Malik adds, “AI models give us predictive scores on patient outcomes, helping tailor treatments to personal needs.”

Boosting early detection and population screening: AI can spot minute changes that humans might miss, especially during routine cancer screenings. It helps identify high-risk individuals early by analysing factors like genetics, lifestyle and family history. “In population screenings for oral or cervical cancers, AI helps us prioritise which patients need immediate attention,” says Dr Malik.

However, as the World Health Organization (WHO) points out, AI should not be seen as a replacement for doctors. Instead, it acts as a clinical decision-support tool. Studies also caution that AI tools may reflect biases present in their training data and lack human judgement, emotional understanding and contextual reasoning. Therefore, despite its growing presence, AI comes with limitations. Technical errors, data privacy concerns and lack of regulatory standards remain important issues.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.