AI Erodes Doctors' Cancer Detection Skills After Just Months

A new study found that doctors who used AI to detect pre-cancerous growths in the colon became over-reliant on the tool and lost skills after just a few months. The AI assistance dropped detection rates by 20% compared to pre-AI rates. Researchers warn that this "de-skilling" effect may be higher with more powerful AI, and could impact trainees or novices more significantly.

A recent study published in The Lancet has raised concerns about the potential "de-skilling" effect of AI in medical diagnostics. The study, conducted across four health centers, found that after using an AI tool to detect precancerous polyps during colonoscopies, clinicians' detection rates significantly declined once the AI assistance was removed [1].

The AI tool, which drew squares around precancerous polyps known as adenomas, was initially found to improve adenoma detection rates. However, after three months of using the AI, the unassisted adenoma detection rate fell by 20%, from 28% to 22%. This drop suggests that clinicians may have become over-reliant on the AI, leading to a decline in their own diagnostic skills.

The study's authors warn that this "de-skilling" effect could be more pronounced with more powerful AI tools. They also note that the impact may be more significant on trainees or novices who are still developing their diagnostic skills.

This finding is particularly relevant as the global multi-cancer early detection market is set to grow rapidly, driven by advancements in genomics, AI, and imaging [2]. Companies like GRAIL, Inc., Guardant Health, and Exact Sciences are leading this growth, with the market projected to reach USD 4.3 billion by 2033.

However, the study's results highlight the importance of balancing AI assistance with human expertise. As AI continues to advance, it is crucial to ensure that it complements rather than replaces human diagnostic skills.

References:
[1] https://www.statnews.com/2025/08/12/ai-deskilling-doctors-colonoscopy-study-lancet/
[2] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/multi-cancer-early-detection-market-130600056.html