arXiv · 2606.26431
Revealing Mammographic Phenotypes in Deep Learning Breast Cancer Risk Models
Abstract
Mammogram-based deep learning models have improved breast cancer risk prediction, but the learned imaging patterns remain underexplored. Existing interpretability methods rely on single-image saliency maps, failing to identify recurring mammographic phenotypes across large patient cohorts. By clustering patch embeddings from a pre-trained model, Mirai, we isolate recurring phenotypes linked to 5-year cancer risk. Analyses show risk-increasing phenotypes capture complex structures (e.g., dense tissue, microcalcifications) and shortcut artifacts (e.g., clips). These phenotypes correlate strongly with older age and higher BI-RADS density. Our framework connects tissue patterns to AI risk scores, revealing clinical signatures and potential latent model confounders.
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Ruiyu Jia, Yanqi Xu, Yuxuan Chen, Yiqiu Shen, Laura Heacock. 2026-06-24. Revealing Mammographic Phenotypes in Deep Learning Breast Cancer Risk Models. https://arxiv.org/abs/2606.26431
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