New research reveals that while most people still trust doctors more than AI when it comes to health diagnoses, there is growing recognition of AI’s potential—particularly in the early detection of cancer. The findings come from two nationally representative surveys examining public attitudes toward artificial intelligence in healthcare, set to be presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Risk Analysis from December 7 to 10 in Washington, DC. The surveys show that a majority of respondents remain hesitant to rely on general AI tools like ChatGPT for diagnosing medical conditions. Concerns about accuracy, privacy, and the lack of human empathy contribute to this reluctance. However, when it comes to AI applications specifically designed for cancer detection—such as algorithms analyzing medical imaging or genetic data—public perception shifts significantly. Participants expressed greater openness to AI-assisted cancer diagnosis, citing confidence in its ability to detect subtle patterns that might be missed by human eyes. Many respondents viewed such technologies as complementary to doctors rather than replacements, emphasizing the value of combining AI precision with physician expertise. The study highlights a nuanced public mindset: while trust in AI for personal health decisions remains limited, there is strong support for AI’s role in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and improving early detection outcomes. Researchers suggest these findings underscore the importance of transparent communication about how AI tools are developed, validated, and integrated into clinical workflows. As AI continues to advance in healthcare, the results indicate that public acceptance will depend not just on technological capability, but on how well the benefits and limitations are communicated to patients and providers alike.