Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, in her speech on the state of the European Union, emphasized the importance of using artificial intelligence (AI) in the health sector and stated that this technology should never replace doctors. In this speech, which addressed the importance of key priorities for the coming year, she referred to AI as an effective tool for improving healthcare services.
Using Artificial Intelligence for Early Cancer Detection
Von der Leyen, who has a medical background, cited the use of artificial intelligence in mammography as an example of potential advancements in health. She stated that this technology can detect cancers at early stages and help save more women's lives. She said: "Do I want my doctor to have immediate access to the necessary data for the best diagnosis and treatment choice? Yes, of course. But do I want my doctor to be a robot? No, of course not. I do not want a robot telling me whether I have cancer or not."
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Challenges and Concerns in Using Artificial Intelligence
With the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence, concerns and warnings from experts have also increased. The President of the European Commission warned that despite advancements in AI, human doctors should never be replaced. Recent research has shown that language models can be dangerous tools when seeking medical advice, as they may not always accurately assess emergencies.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also pointed out in a recent report the sensitivity of biological data and emphasized the need to establish clear frameworks for how AI models access this information. The organization also noted that only 8% of its member countries have developed a specific national strategy for AI in health, reminding us that efforts must align with real actions.
Von der Leyen also announced "transformational initiatives" that will be presented in November for high-value sectors, including health, transportation, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, defense, and space. She emphasized that the European Union must benefit from the advantages of AI in health while also paying attention to preserving the role of doctors and patient health.
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