AI-Powered Colonoscopy: How Anthony Hamilton’s GI Genius Screening Prevents Cancer
Anthony Hamilton, the Grammy Award–winning singer-songwriter, had his first colonoscopy in his mid-20s—coincidentally just as he signed his debut record deal. “I was experiencing digestive problems, and during the colonoscopy the doctors discovered polyps,” he recalls. “Since then, I’ve paid close attention to my health—eating well, living right, and staying on top of any issues. Regular colonoscopies are how I keep ahead of potential problems.”
Over roughly three decades since that initial exam, Hamilton’s physicians have repeatedly identified and removed polyps, including at his latest screening in early 2025. This visit, however, stood out from the rest.
“One of the polyps was particularly difficult to spot,” explains Dr. Lanre Jimoh, a gastroenterologist at Carolina Digestive Health Associates in Charlotte, North Carolina. “But by using the GI Genius system, we detected it along with several others, and were able to successfully remove them all.”
AI-powered detection for cancer prevention
The GI Genius polyp detection system from Medtronic represents the first application of artificial intelligence in real time during colonoscopies. Modeled on facial-recognition software, it trains on thousands of polyp images—varying in color, shape, size, and texture—using complex mathematical algorithms.
“This deep-learning technology is essentially supercharged pattern recognition,” says Dr. Ha Hong, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer for Medtronic’s Endoscopy unit. “It can sift through millions of images far beyond human capability and pinpoint the visual signatures of polyps.”
During procedures, GI Genius processes live colonoscopy video and surrounds suspected polyps with a green box—exactly what happened during Hamilton’s latest screening.
Proven impact
“We launched a three-month pilot of GI Genius and immediately saw improvements,” Dr. Jimoh reports. “Our polyp—and particularly adenoma—detection rates rose, and we’re confident this marks a major step forward in GI care.”
Clinical studies show GI Genius can boost adenoma detection rates (ADR) by up to 14.4%, and every 1% rise in ADR corresponds to a 3% reduction in cancer risk.
When Dr. Jimoh offered Hamilton the AI-assisted approach, the singer was enthusiastic. “AI is already integral to the music industry, and I’m a big advocate,” Hamilton says. “I never thought of AI in colonoscopies, but I’m grateful it’s available—it gives me even greater peace of mind.”
He laughed softly, reflecting: “I’ve been nominated for 18 Grammys and finally won one to take home—but a healthy colon? That’s my greatest prize.”
Over roughly three decades since that initial exam, Hamilton’s physicians have repeatedly identified and removed polyps, including at his latest screening in early 2025. This visit, however, stood out from the rest.
“One of the polyps was particularly difficult to spot,” explains Dr. Lanre Jimoh, a gastroenterologist at Carolina Digestive Health Associates in Charlotte, North Carolina. “But by using the GI Genius system, we detected it along with several others, and were able to successfully remove them all.”
AI-powered detection for cancer prevention
The GI Genius polyp detection system from Medtronic represents the first application of artificial intelligence in real time during colonoscopies. Modeled on facial-recognition software, it trains on thousands of polyp images—varying in color, shape, size, and texture—using complex mathematical algorithms.
“This deep-learning technology is essentially supercharged pattern recognition,” says Dr. Ha Hong, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer for Medtronic’s Endoscopy unit. “It can sift through millions of images far beyond human capability and pinpoint the visual signatures of polyps.”
During procedures, GI Genius processes live colonoscopy video and surrounds suspected polyps with a green box—exactly what happened during Hamilton’s latest screening.
Proven impact
“We launched a three-month pilot of GI Genius and immediately saw improvements,” Dr. Jimoh reports. “Our polyp—and particularly adenoma—detection rates rose, and we’re confident this marks a major step forward in GI care.”
Clinical studies show GI Genius can boost adenoma detection rates (ADR) by up to 14.4%, and every 1% rise in ADR corresponds to a 3% reduction in cancer risk.
When Dr. Jimoh offered Hamilton the AI-assisted approach, the singer was enthusiastic. “AI is already integral to the music industry, and I’m a big advocate,” Hamilton says. “I never thought of AI in colonoscopies, but I’m grateful it’s available—it gives me even greater peace of mind.”
He laughed softly, reflecting: “I’ve been nominated for 18 Grammys and finally won one to take home—but a healthy colon? That’s my greatest prize.”
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