Angie Chatbot Breast Ovarian Cancer: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women worldwide with one in eight women will develop breast cancer over their lifetime while one in 100 will die from this disease.
As many as one percent of all cases are hereditary which means that they’re caused by an inherited genetic mutation passed down through generations.
Women at risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC) can now get help from Angie, a chatbot that is part of the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore’s project to expand access to genetic counseling.
The service by NCIS can answer your questions about genetic testing, screening, and risk-reducing strategies. It also provides information on how to prepare for an appointment with a genetic counselor.
Angie the chatbot is available on WhatsApp, where women can get information based on their pregnancy status and family history of cancer.
The service by NCIS aims to expand access to genetic counseling. Women who are suspected of having a genetic predisposition or are at high risk of HBOC can use the chatbot, Angie, to learn about the syndrome and how genetic testing could help manage it.
At present, those at risk of HBOC are referred directly to the clinic for a genetic counseling session, where they can discuss recommended preventive options with an expert.
Prior to this visit, a counselor will conduct a routine call to collect the patient’s family medical history. This call can sometimes take up to an hour.
“During the initial counseling session, many patients may also feel overwhelmed by the amount of information provided and may not be able to make a decision to undergo genetic testing.
“Multiple consultations may be required, which is made more difficult by limitations due to the COVID-19 situation,” said NCIS in its press release.
Angie Chatbot Breast Ovarian Cancer, “Angie the NCIS ENGAGE chatbot allows us to reach out to patients early, and provide targeted education so that they come for their consultation better-informed and ready to decide on the next step,” said Dr. Samuel Ow, consultant at NCIS’ Department of Haematology-Oncology.
Because of the complexity and time-consuming nature of genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, it may be beneficial to provide patients with targeted education via a chatbot. Let’s hope AI can help make genetic testing more efficient.
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