Baruch College Researcher Co-Leads National Study on Trust in AI for Cancer Diagnosis

Baruch College Researcher Co-Leads National Study on Trust in AI for Cancer Diagnosis

December 16, 2025

A new national study co-authored by Dr. Patrycja Sleboda, assistant professor of psychology at Baruch College, finds that most Americans still trust doctors more than artificial intelligence when it comes to health diagnosis, yet many see promising potential in AI's role in cancer detection. The findings highlight important public perceptions as AI tools become more common in medical settings.

"Our research shows that even a little exposure to AI-just hearing about it or trying it out-can make people more comfortable and trusting of the technology. We know from research that familiarity plays a big role in how people accept new technologies, not just AI," Professor Sleboda stated in an article published by the Society of Risk Analysis.

Understanding AI's Role in Medical Decision-Making
Based on two nationally representative surveys and conducted in collaboration with researchers at the University of Southern California, the study finds that just 17% of Americans trust AI as much as a clinician when it comes to medical diagnosis. However, when participants were presented with a scenario involving an AI tool designed to detect early signs of cancer, many rated the technology's potential and excitement higher than their fear.

The research examines how trust, understanding, and acceptance of AI in medical settings change with greater familiarity and exposure to real-world diagnostic examples, particularly in the context of early cancer detection.

AI and Behavioral Science
A faculty member at Baruch's Weissman School of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Sleboda bridges psychology, decision science, and emerging technology to examine how people perceive and respond to innovations like AI in high-stakes fields such as health care.

Read the Study
Full study details were presented at the Society for Risk Analysis Annual Conference and are available through the Society for Risk Analysis press release HERE.