AI tools are to give stretched NHS radiologists a 'second pair of eyes' on prostate cancer scans

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has backed five AI programmes in draft guidance, with a two-year NHS trial planned to test how well they work. Two more tools were rejected pending further research. Demand for prostate MRIs has soared because of routine pre-biopsy scans, piling strain on radiology teams already short of staff. A radiologist will still review every scan.

Around 68,000 men in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year.

Nice says the tools could mean fewer unnecessary biopsies and treatments for men.

Cancer chief Professor Peter Johnson: waiting for answers is 'stressful for patients and their families'.