NHS is to deploy five AI tools as a 'second pair of eyes' to spot prostate cancer on scans

Radiology teams, already under pressure from workforce shortages, are struggling to keep pace with surging demand for prostate MRIs, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) warns. Its draft guidance proposes trialling five AI tools across England over two years while evidence on their effectiveness is collected. A further two AI tools were turned down on the grounds that more research is required. Nice chief medical officer Dr Adrian Hayter said they would 'support, not replace' radiologists.

Prostate cancer receives around 68,000 new diagnoses in the UK every year.

Nice says the software could mean fewer unnecessary biopsies and treatments for harmless cancers.

NHS cancer chief Professor Peter Johnson: 'A radiologist will review every scan.'