Major breast cancer screening AI trial to begin

Currently, two radiologists are required to review the images from each screening to ensure accuracy.

However, it is hoped the AI being trialled will enable one of the speciality doctors to complete the process, freeing up radiologists to see more patients and, in turn, cut waiting lists.

More than two million mammograms a year are carried out under the screening programme, so it could have a major impact on the workload of radiologists.

Department of Health and Social Care chief scientific adviser Prof Lucy Chappell said the study could lead to a “significant step forward”.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said this should just be the start of a wider improvement in cancer care.

He said “urgent action” was needed given cancer survival here was lagging behind other countries, promising to publish a dedicated national cancer plan to “unleash Britain’s potential as a world leader in saving lives from this deadly disease”.

As part of that, the government has launched a call for evidence, urging patients, staff and experts to contribute ideas on the Change NHS website., external

However, the Royal College of Radiologists said while AI had “immense potential”, the NHS was still 30% short of the radiologists it needed.

“This study will take time to yield results. The need to build radiology capacity remains urgent,” she added.