‘Landmark’ AI trial seeks to detect breast cancer earlier

Health secretary Wes Streeting has announced a landmark trial that will harness artificial intelligence to help catch breast cancer cases earlier, potentially helping the tens of thousands of women diagnosed with the disease each year.

- RACHEL CLUN

Nearly 700,000 women through 30 testing sites around the country will take part in the trial, which will use AI to assist radiologists in mammogram screening to identify changes in breast tissue which could be a possible sign of breast cancer.

At the moment mammograms require the expertise of two radiologists, but the Department of Health and Social Care said the AI technology will mean only one specialist will be needed to conduct the screening process safely and efficiently. If successful the trial could free up radiologists and other specialists to conduct more testing which could help reduce waiting lists.

Writing exclusively for The Independent, the health secretary said that along with harnessing new tools such as artificial intelligence to help detect the disease, he has launched a call for evidence to help shape a national cancer plan in a bid to reduce deaths.

Mr Streeting said the NHS saved his life when he was diagnosed with kidney cancer but he was one of the lucky ones, as the “tough reality” was that too many people faced long waits or delayed diagnosis.

“Had that meticulous doctor not spotted my cancer on the Xray, I may not be here today. Yet I know sadly many cancer patients don’t experience the NHS at its best,” he said in an opinion piece. “The tough reality is that after years of neglect, too many patients face long waits, delayed diagnoses and critical gaps in the urgent care they so desperately need.