A case-based approach to colorectal cancer detection

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies in developed countries. Although it is not well known what causes this type of cancer, studies have showed that there are certain risk factors associated that may increase the likelihood of developing such malignancy. These factors comprise, among others, individual’s age, lifestyle habits, personal disease history, and genetic syndromes. Despite its high mortality, colorectal cancer may be prevented with an early diagnosis. Thus, this work aims at the development of Artificial Intelligence based decision support system to assess the risk of developing colorectal cancer. The framework is built on top of a Logic Programming approach to Knowledge Representation and Reasoning, complemented with a Case-based approach to computing that caters for the handling of incomplete, unknown, or even self-contradictory data, information or knowledge.