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

Radiology teams hit by staff shortages are struggling with rising demand for prostate MRI, now a routine step before biopsy. Draft guidance from NICE backs AI-Rad Companion Prostate MR, DeepHealth Prostate, ProstatID, Prostate Intelligence and QP-Prostate for a two-year evidence-gathering period. Two further tools were rejected pending more research. A radiologist will still check every scan.

The software flags areas of a scan where cancer may be lurking.

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

NHS cancer director Professor Peter Johnson: waiting for answers is 'stressful for patients and their families'.