Sutter Health has expanded its use of AI across more than 60 imaging sites in an effort to improve breast cancer detection and reduce unnecessary follow-up procedures.

The California-based not-for-profit health system partnered with Ferrum Health to deploy an AI platform that supports mammography workflows and risk assessments systemwide.

Since implementing the AI-enabled program, Sutter has seen a measurable increase in cancer detection rates, rising from 4.8 to over 6.0 per 1,000 screenings. The system also reports a reduction in false positives, which can help limit patient anxiety and avoid follow-up testing when no cancer is present.
In Q2 of 2025 alone, Sutter processed over 35,000 screening mammograms with AI support. Among those screened, 14% were flagged as high-risk and 7% as extremely high-risk, allowing for earlier clinical intervention. The system also noted that 38% of patients had dense breast tissue, a population where AI may add diagnostic value. In 44% of studies, no AI markers were shown, potentially aiding radiologist efficiency by narrowing their focus to more relevant cases.

"By expanding access and investing in innovation, we’re redefining cancer care from prevention to survivorship, today and for the future," said Dr. Nitin Rohatgi, medical oncologist and chair of the Breast Cancer Programs of Oncology Distinction at Sutter Health.

The mobile extension of this program includes AI-enabled screening in the Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center’s mobile mammography unit, which serves patients in the East Bay area. Since launching in the spring, the unit has conducted nearly 500 AI-supported screenings, flagging 12% of patients as high-risk and 3% as extremely high-risk.

“Our platform is built to support health systems so they have the oversight they need to deploy safe and powerful clinical AI tools,” said Pelu Tran, CEO and cofounder of Ferrum Health.

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