Breast cancer classification improvements using a new kernel function with evolutionary-programming-configured support vector machines

Mammography is an effective tool for the early detection of breast cancer; however, most women referred for biopsy based on mammographic findings do not, in fact, have cancer. This study is part of an ongoing effort to reduce the number of benign cases referred for biopsy by developing tools to aid physicians in classifying suspicious lesions. Specifically, this study examines the use of an Evolutionary Programming (EP)-derived Support Vector Machine (SVM) with a modified radial basis function (RBF) kernel, and compares this with results using a normal Gaussian radial basis function kernel. Results demonstrate that the modified kernel can provide moderate performance improvements; however, due to its ability to create a more complex decision surface, this kernel can easily begin to memorize the training data resulting in a loss of generalization ability. Nonetheless, these methods could reduce the number of benign cases referred for biopsy by over half, while missing less than 5% of malignancies. Future work will focus on methods to improve the EP process to preserve SVMs which generalize well.

Duke Scholars

Author Joseph Yuan-Chieh Lo Radiology