A leading Australian breast surgeon is issuing a strong warning: do not rely on AI tools like ChatGPT to diagnose or manage breast health. ChatGPT is not a substitute for your GP, and it should not be treated as a health advisor when it comes to breast symptoms.
As more Australians seek health guidance online, concerns are growing about people entering breast-related questions into AI chat tools instead of consulting a doctor.
"ChatGPT is not a health service. It cannot examine you, cannot detect a lump, and cannot assess your personal risk factors," says Associate Professor Sanjay Warrier, a prominent breast cancer surgeon in Australia.
"If you have a breast concern, you need a hands-on clinical exam and appropriate imaging. AI cannot replace a GP or a breast specialist."
He notes an example where he asked ChatGPT about a redness issue on the breast and received advice to wait and monitor. In some cancers, waiting could allow the disease to progress, underscoring why such guidance is dangerous.
Delays in diagnosis can be life-threatening. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Australian women, with over 21,000 new cases each year, and early detection is a strong predictor of survival.
Warrier, who practices across four Sydney sites including Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and a new clinic in Campbelltown, worries that digital advice may slow timely medical evaluation.
"Time matters. My experience with ChatGPT reinforces this," he says.
If a person notices a lump, nipple discharge, skin changes, or persistent breast pain, the recommendation is to book a medical appointment rather than seek reassurance from a chatbot. AI can share general information but cannot interpret nuanced physical signs or a person’s medical history.
The real risk lies not in misinformation but in misplaced confidence. If an online tool suggests a finding is likely benign, some individuals may postpone seeking proper care. Breast cancer does not always present in textbook fashion; it can be subtle or silent. Only a formal assessment by a GP, followed by imaging such as ultrasound or mammography if needed, can provide clarity.
AI platforms are designed to offer general educational content, not medical diagnoses.
Beyond clinical practice, Warrier contributes to breast cancer research and helped establish Australasia’s first Master of Advanced Surgery in Breast Surgery at the University of Sydney. He emphasizes that the medical system’s pathways exist for a reason.
There is a defined sequence for breast health concerns: GP evaluation, referrals when necessary, imaging, biopsy if required, and specialist management. Skipping steps can introduce risk and compromise safety.
Technology has a role in education and rapid information synthesis, but it cannot replace clinical judgement. If something feels off, or you’re worried, the safest and most prudent step is to consult a doctor.
His clear message to Australian women is straightforward:
- Do not input breast symptoms into AI and assume you have your answer.
- Prioritize your health by seeing your GP; early detection saves lives.
For more information on breast cancer detection and screening, visit www.drsanjaywarrier.com.au.
About Associate Professor Sanjay Warrier:
A former President and current committee member of Breast Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand (BreastSurgANZ), Warrier operates at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and multiple Sydney clinics. His work appears in peer-reviewed journals, and he has received several awards for scientific research and international recognition for his contributions to science and bilateral Australia-India collaboration.
www.drsanjaywarrier.com.au
