Perceptions, attitudes, and concerns about artificial intelligence applications in patients with cancer.

Abstract

e13626 Background: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in oncology has increased rapidly, spanning applications such as pathology, radiology, diagnostics, prognosis, genomics, treatment planning, and clinical trials. However, perspectives, comfort levels, and concerns about AI in cancer care remain largely unexplored. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional survey study was conducted between May 20 and October 22, 2024, among 363 patients with cancer from two different hospitals affiliated with Ankara University, a tertiary care center in Turkey. Results: A majority believed AI would somewhat (32%) or significantly (18.7%) improve healthcare. One-third (33.1%) felt very uncomfortable with AI diagnosing cancer, with higher discomfort among less-educated participants (p < 0.005). Concerns included incorrect diagnoses (31.1%), healthcare costs (27.5%), and data privacy (19.6%). Patients with higher education levels expressed less discomfort and fewer concerns. Conclusions: Patients' perspectives on AI varied significantly based on education, highlighting the need for targeted educational initiatives. While AI holds potential to revolutionize cancer care, addressing concerns about accuracy, security, and transparency is critical to enhance its acceptance and effectiveness in clinical practice. Cancer patients' concerns with artificial intelligence in healthcare. Question -Response Total (n=363) (%) Gender p-value Age p-value Education p-value Male (n=187)(%) Female (n=176)(%) 18–64 y(n=218)(%) ≥65 y (n=139)(%) Primary(n=191) (%) High School (n=72) (%) University (n=72)(%) Postgraduate(n=26)(%) 1. How concerned you are about the use of AI in medicine for each of the following My health information will not be kept confidential  Not concerned 122 (33.6) 69 (36.9) 53 (30.1) X0.158 75 (34.4) 46 (33.1) 00.123 57 (29.8) 25 (34.7) 31 (43.1) 9 (34.6) 0.484  Somewhat concerned 170 (46.8) 88 (47.1) 82 (46.6) 93 (42.7) 72 (51.8) 94 (49.2) 32 (44.4) 28 (38.9) 14 (53.8)  Very concerned 71 (19.6) 30 (16) 41 (23.3) 50 (22.9) 21 (15.1) 40 (20.9) 15 (20.8) 13 (18.1) 3 (11.5) The AI will make the wrong diagnosis  Not concerned 65 (17.9) 35 (18.7) 30 (17) X0.496 39 (17.9) 25 (18) X0.031 31 (16.2) 16 (22.2) 13 (18.1) 5 (19.2) 0.086  Somewhat concerned 183 (50.4) 98 (52.4) 85 (48.3) 98 (45) 80 (57.6) 91 (47.6) 31 (43.1) 42 (58.3) 18 (69.2)  Very concerned 115 (31.7) 54 (28.9) 61 (34.7) 81 (37.2) 34 (24.5) 69 (36.1) 25 (34.7) 17 (23.6) 3 (11.5) AI will mean I spend less time with my doctor  Not concerned 66 (18.2) 38 (20.3) 28 (15.9) o.526 39 (17.9) 25 (18) X0.230 32 (16.8) 16 (22.2) 11 (15.3) 7 (26.9) 0.500  Somewhat concerned 184 (50.7) 91 (48.7) 93 (52.8) 103 (47.2) 77 (55.4) 96 (50.3) 33 (45.8) 39 (54.2) 15 (57.7)  Very concerned 113 (31.1) 58 (31) 55 (31.3) 76 (34.9) 37 (26.6) 63 (33) 23 (31.9) 22 (30.6) 4 (15.4)