Chest X-ray AI tool to be rolled out across NHS to speed up lung cancer diagnosis

An AI tool to help radiologists process X-rays could speed up diagnosis times for lung cancer across the NHS, the Government has said.

It follows a pledge today to invest £20m in rolling out the technology to every NHS trust in England by 2029.

Already available in half of trusts, the AI tool for reading X-rays has meant more than four million patients receiving a faster lung cancer diagnosis or all-clear already, the Government said.

Early data shows the use of the AI tool means radiologists analyse X-rays in an average of just four days, compared to eight days for the most complex cases previously.

With growing demand for imaging services, the technology will help ease pressures on radiology teams and speed up diagnosis, access to follow up tests and treatment, the Government added.

By cutting analysis time, the tools are also expected to help more patients begin treatment within 62 days of a GP referral.

A further £8.1m has been announced for piloting six AI and digital technologies across 13 NHS sites in England and Scotland, including one GP partnership, to speed up care for heart failure, strokes, lung infections and other conditions.

The technologies will support staff in analysing CT scans, ECGs and X-rays, as well as identifying the most urgent cases for prioritisation.

Health and social care secretary James Murray said: ‘This is what shifting the NHS from analogue to digital looks like in practice.

‘Backed by new investment to test the next generation of technology, we are building an NHS that is fit for the future – and faster for every patient who needs it.’

Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, welcomed the investment.

‘It’s so important to be able to move beyond individual pilots and implement these innovations more broadly to ensure as many people as possible can benefit,’ she said.

‘AI tools for chest X rays have the potential to improve the time it takes to analyse scans, and we look forward to seeing how they can be further rolled out across the NHS in England.

‘AI can play an important role in speeding up cancer diagnoses however, this can only be achieved with sufficient workforce, capacity and well-designed pathways.’

Dr Stephen Harden, president of the Royal College of Radiologists, said AI should support doctors by helping them work more effectively, rather than replacing the expert judgement that patients value and expect.

‘Radiologists will remain central to diagnosis, clinical decision-making, and patient care.

‘Used safely and appropriately, AI can be an important part of improving productivity and helping patients access timely care.’

Earlier this year, Cancer Research UK warned that NHS services were struggling to cope with rising demand due to the numbers of patients being diagnosed with cancer.