Efficient breast cancer detection using neural networks and explainable artificial intelligence

The growing dependence on deep learning models for medical diagnosis underscores the critical need for robust interpretability and transparency to instill trust and ensure responsible usage. This study investigates the efficacy of various explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) techniques in comprehending deep learning models utilized for breast cancer classification from down sampled histopathology images. A comparative assessment of multiple convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures, encompassing standard CNNs, ResNet, VGG-16, and VGG-19, on down sampled images was conducted. The primary goal is to pinpoint the model exhibiting the highest accuracy and subsequently employ three prominent XAI methods—LIME, SHAP, and Saliency Maps—to get insights into the top-performing model. This study identifies VGG-19 as the best-performing model with an accuracy of 92.59% and demonstrates that among various XAI techniques, LIME provides the most accurate and clinically relevant explanations for breast cancer classification from down sampled histopathology images. These findings, validated by medical professionals, enhance the interpretability and reliability of deep learning models in clinical settings, promoting their responsible integration into healthcare practices. This validation was further corroborated through consultation with medical professionals, including doctors specializing in breast cancer diagnosis. This research endeavors to deepen the understanding of the model’s rationale and instill confidence in its outputs. The outcomes of this study hold significant promise in elevating the interpretability and reliability of deep learning models tailored for breast cancer diagnosis, thus facilitating their responsible integration into clinical settings.