Automated lung cancer diagnosis from chest X-ray images using convolutional neural networks

Background/Objectives Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. While computed tomography (CT) scans provide more comprehensive medical information than chest X-rays (CXR), the high cost and limited availability of CT technology in rural areas pose significant challenges. CXR images, however, could serve as a potential preliminary diagnostic tool in diagnosing lung cancer, especially when combined with a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system. This study aims to enhance the accuracy and accessibility of lung cancer detection using a custom-designed convolutional neural network (CNN) trained on CXR images. Methods A custom-designed CNN was trained on an openly accessible CXR dataset from the Japanese Society for Radiological Technology (JSRT). Prior to training, the dataset underwent preprocessing, where each image was divided into overlapping patches. A t-test was applied to these patches to distinguish relevant from irrelevant ones. The relevant patches were retained for training the CNN model, while the irrelevant patches were excluded to enhance the model’s performance. Results The proposed model yielded a mean accuracy of 83.2 ± 2.91%, demonstrating its potential as a cost-effective and accessible preliminary diagnostic tool for lung cancer. Conclusions This approach could significantly improve the accuracy and accessibility of lung cancer detection, making it a viable option in resource-limited settings.