Breast cancer diagnostics AI startup raises US$2M in pre-series A funding

Singaporean startup FathomX raised US$2M funding to develop its AI model for mammograms.

FanthomX aims to increase the accuracy of mammograms in breast cancer detection using AI-integrated devices for detection, prevention and diagnostics. 

Through this funding, the company will be able to harness the full potential of its digital AI solution to read medical images including mammograms. The funding will further accelerate the pace of the product development and broaden the company’s economical collaborations.

Professor Mikael Hartman, co-founder of FathomX, said: “We are proud and excited to be able to provide a solution for fast reliable diagnosis of breast cancer, the most common cancer in women.

“The faith of our investors by providing funding will help us deliver our vision of creating solutions for women’s health.”

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast that doctors use to look for early signs of breast cancer. Regular mammograms are usually the best test doctors have to find breast cancer early, sometimes up to three years before it can be felt.

The NHS breast screening programme invites all women aged between 50 and 70 for screening every three years. The person needs to be registered with a GP to receive the invitations.

What can a mammogram show?

A mammogram can show small areas of calcium in the breast tissue which are called calcification.

Therefore, mammograms can be used to look for breast cancer, either as a screening test in women without symptoms or in women who have symptoms that might be from cancer. 

A traditional mammogram creates two-dimensional images of the breast but a newer type – called a breast tomosynthesis – creates three-dimensional images.