The Hospital de Évora in Portugal has become the first public institution in the country to implement an artificial intelligence (AI) system for improved cervical cancer screening. The move represents a significant step forward in early detection and treatment of the disease, which remains a public health concern globally.
The system, called Genius Digital Imager, combines AI algorithms with high-resolution image analysis to identify precancerous and cancerous lesions of the cervix with increased accuracy. According to a statement released on Friday, March 6, the Local Health Unit of Central Alentejo (ULSAC), which manages the hospital, believes this technology will be transformative.
“This digital system for gynecological cytology combines AI algorithms with analysis of high-resolution image,” officials explained, emphasizing the goal of “identifying precancerous and cancerous lesions of the cervix with unprecedented effectiveness.”
Carlos Quintana, director of the Pathological Anatomy Service at ULSAC, highlighted the importance of this advancement for the Alentejo region. “The introduction of this technology at the Évora hospital is a milestone in the provision of care to the Alentejo population,” he said. “With this new system, we ensure screening of the entire Alentejo region using genotyping as the primary test, followed by cytology in indicated cases.”
The new system is designed to enhance the capabilities of healthcare professionals, not replace them. “We are not just modernizing the service, we are providing our professionals with much superior detection and validation capabilities, making tracking more consistent and accurate,” Quintana added.
The diagnostic process is evolving with this technology, moving away from relying solely on manual microscopic observation of slides. Instead, AI highlights suspicious areas for review by cytotechnicians in a high-resolution digital environment. This approach promises faster and more reliable results.
ULSAC emphasized that the system complements the clinical judgment of healthcare professionals. “This system does not replace the clinical eye, but enhances the detection and validation capacity of health professionals, making screening in the Alentejo one of the most advanced and safe in the country,” the unit stated.
Key benefits of the new method include more assertive diagnoses through computer-assisted screening, a more efficient digital workflow, and strong traceability, as the entire process is digitally monitored. The combination of HPV vaccination and this advanced diagnostic capability represents a powerful strategy for combating cervical cancer and saving lives in the region, according to ULSAC.
