New AI tech to be rolled out at 64 NHS hospitals to help spot deadly lung cancer faster

AI technology to improve lung cancer diagnosis

The NHS is set to introduce new artificial intelligence (AI) technology to help doctors detect lung cancer more quickly and accurately. With over £21 million allocated for the project, the AI will analyse X-rays and CT scans to diagnose the disease. The technology will be implemented at 64 hospital trusts across England from this winter.

Improved care for lung cancer patients

Health Secretary Steve Barclay emphasized the importance of providing the best care possible for patients. This AI technology has already been successfully used in the NHS to reduce treatment times for stroke patients and assist doctors in analysing brain scans. The aim is to leverage this success and ensure lung cancer patients receive the support they need in a timely manner.

Catching the disease early is crucial

With around 48,500 people in the UK diagnosed with lung cancer each year, it is the third most common form of the disease in the country. Sadly, it is also responsible for the highest number of cancer-related deaths, with 34,800 individuals losing their lives to the disease annually. The chances of survival are significantly higher if the cancer is detected early, before it spreads to other organs.

A breakthrough in early detection

The new AI technology offers hope for early detection as it has the potential to spot tumours in their initial stages. Previous research has shown that AI can detect early signs of lung cancer years before they would be visible on a CT scan. This development could be a game-changer in improving survival rates and providing more effective treatments.

AI's impact on healthcare

Artificial intelligence has already made a significant impact in the healthcare sector. It has been successfully used in the NHS to diagnose stroke patients and provide them with faster emergency treatment. AI is also utilized to determine a patient's personalized risk of heart attack, enabling doctors to intervene earlier. The deployment of AI in cancer diagnosis is another step forward in revolutionizing healthcare.

Government investment in AI

Health Secretary Steve Barclay recently announced a £100 million investment in AI for the health service. This funding will support the implementation of AI technology across various areas of healthcare, including the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. Dr Vin Diwakar of NHS England emphasized that this investment will enable NHS trusts across the country to harness the power of AI tools and expedite the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

Is your hospital on the list?

The £21 million funding will be distributed among 64 NHS hospital trusts across England. Here are the hospital trusts that will receive a portion of this funding:

• East And North Hertfordshire NHS Trust
• West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
• Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
• James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn, NHS Foundation Trust
• And more...

This investment in AI technology marks a significant step towards improving lung cancer diagnosis and treatment in the UK. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, doctors will have access to advanced tools that can potentially save lives and enhance patient care.