- Predicting biological age from selfies
- It can help doctors decide on treatment
- The challenge of privacy and accuracy
A simple selfie taken on a mobile phone can help predict cancer patients' health and chances of survival, claims a new study. Researchers in the US have developed two artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools that analyze facial photographs to predict a person's biological age and cancer-related risks. However, this research is still in the preliminary stage, and the final conclusion of the patient's fate cannot be drawn based on this technology.
This technology has been developed by researchers from Mass General Brigham Institute in Massachusetts, USA. The findings of this research were published on October 19 in the journal 'The Lancet Digital Health'. This AI model has been trained on the basis of more than four crore facial photographs. The aim is to recognize facial features of individuals of different ages and backgrounds.
Predicting biological age from selfies
Two AI tools have been developed in this research. The tool 'FAHR-FaceAge' estimates a person's biological age from a photograph of their face. Based on this information, it can help to assess the chances of survival of cancer patients. Another tool 'FAHR-FaceSurvival' attempts to predict survival risks by directly analyzing facial features.
Biological age is not just years completed since birth. Biological age is an estimate of how the current state of the body and the level of health compares to the actual age. Two persons of the same age may have different physical condition and health. Researchers speculate that certain facial features may provide useful clues about the body's overall health.
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Which parts of the face will be analyzed?
According to research, both AI tools focus on different parts of the face. A model that predicts biological age analyzes the forehead, the area near the earlobes, and the lines that run from the nose to the mouth.
On the other hand, the model that assesses the risks associated with the survival of cancer patients mainly studies the characteristics of the area under the eyes and the upper part of the nose. This analysis can give the doctor additional information about the patient's condition.
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It can help doctors decide on treatment
Although a patient's age is important in cancer treatment, his physical capacity, overall health and response to treatment are equally important factors. AI technology can help doctors plan treatments if they get some additional clues related to a patient's health.
However, a prediction from a facial photo cannot replace the type of cancer, the stage of the disease, medical reports and the results of treatment. The technology will also need to be extensively tested to see how accurate it is in people of different ages and skin tones.
The challenge of privacy and accuracy
Facial photographs are sensitive information related to a person's identity. Therefore, patient consent, security of personal information, and potential consequences of incorrect predictions must also be considered in the medical use of this technology.
Overall, this research could be an important step towards the use of AI in cancer treatment. If the reliability of this technology is proven in future extensive trials, it could be used by doctors to understand the patient's condition.
However, at present, it is not possible to say with certainty the risk of cancer or how long a patient will live based only on selfies. Treatment decisions should be made on the basis of medical examinations, expert advice and scientific evidence.