NHS is to deploy AI as a 'second pair of eyes' on prostate cancer scans for stretched radiologists

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has backed five AI tools in fresh draft guidance, and they will be trialled in NHS England for two years. The software will flag parts of a scan that may show cancer. Routine pre-biopsy MRIs have sent demand soaring, piling pressure on radiology teams already short of staff. Around 68,000 UK men are diagnosed with the disease every year.

Nice's Dr Anastasia Chalkidou says the tools could flag scans needing 'priority review'.

NHS cancer director Professor Peter Johnson says waiting for answers is 'stressful' for families.

A radiologist will still check every scan, so the software supports staff without replacing them.