Written by : Jayati Dubey
February 4, 2025
This initiative is part of the £11 million Early Detection using Information Technology in Health (Edith) trial, designed to explore AI’s potential in enhancing breast cancer detection.
The National Health Service (NHS) in England is set to launch its largest-ever breast cancer screening trial using artificial intelligence (AI), with nearly 700,000 women expected to participate.
The trial, which begins in April 2025, will test five AI platforms across 30 screening sites. Its aim is to determine whether AI can speed up diagnoses and reduce radiologists' workloads.
This initiative is part of the £11 million Early Detection using Information Technology in Health (Edith) trial, designed to explore AI’s potential in enhancing breast cancer detection.
The trial aligns with the UK government's broader efforts to improve cancer care as officials gather evidence to shape the upcoming national cancer plan, expected later this year.
Currently, NHS breast cancer screening involves two radiologists reviewing mammograms to ensure accuracy.
With over two million mammograms performed annually, this process significantly contributes to radiologists' workloads and long waiting times.
The AI platforms being tested could allow a single radiologist to review scans, with AI providing a second opinion.
This would enable radiologists to see more patients, potentially reducing screening backlogs and allowing earlier cancer detection.
Prof Lucy Chappell, chief scientific adviser at the Department of Health and Social Care, called the study a "significant step forward" in using AI for healthcare.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the need for urgent action, stating that cancer survival rates in the UK lag behind other nations. He reiterated the government’s commitment to making the country a global leader in cancer care, with AI playing a crucial role.
As part of its broader cancer care strategy, the UK government has launched a call for evidence, inviting patients, healthcare workers, and experts to share their insights on the Change NHS website.
This input will help shape the national cancer plan, which aims to implement innovative technologies and improve patient outcomes.
Despite AI’s promise, experts caution that its implementation will take time. The Royal College of Radiologists noted that while AI has immense potential, the NHS currently faces a 30% shortage of radiologists, highlighting the ongoing need for workforce expansion.
With the Edith trial set to begin, the NHS takes a crucial step toward integrating AI-driven breast cancer screening, potentially transforming early detection and patient care in the years to come.
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