NHS to Test AI for Faster Breast Cancer Screening in England
Nearly 700,000 women in England will take part in a new NHS trial to test artificial intelligence (AI) for breast cancer screening. Starting in April, five different AI systems will be tested at 30 NHS locations to see if they can speed up diagnosis and reduce the workload of radiologists.
At the same time, the government is asking for public input to help shape its new national cancer plan, which will be launched later this year.
How AI Will Help
The NHS is already using AI in many areas, such as cancer treatment, managing waiting lists, and checking scans. However, this will be the biggest trial for breast cancer screening.
Women who are already scheduled for routine NHS screenings will be invited to join the £11 million Early Detection using Information Technology in Health trial.
In England, women aged 50 to 53 are offered breast cancer screening, and then every three years until they turn 71. During the screening, X-ray images are taken to check for signs of cancer that cannot be seen or felt.
Reducing Workload and Wait Times
Currently, two radiologists must review each mammogram to ensure accurate results. With AI, only one radiologist may be needed, allowing doctors to see more patients and reduce waiting times.
The NHS carries out more than two million breast cancer screenings every year, so this could make a big difference in helping radiologists manage their workload.
Professor Lucy Chappell, the chief scientific adviser at the Department of Health and Social Care, said this trial could be a big step forward in cancer detection.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting also supported the trial, saying that the UK must improve cancer care because survival rates are lower than in other countries. He promised a new national cancer plan to help Britain become a world leader in saving lives.
The government is asking for feedback from patients, NHS staff, and experts on the Change NHS website to help improve cancer services.
Challenges in Radiology
While AI has great potential, the Royal College of Radiologists warned that the NHS is still short of about 30% of the radiologists it needs.
This study will take time to show results, but we urgently need more radiologists now, they said.
