AI tools to speed up diagnosis of cancer

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 23, 2026

The NHS will adopt five AI systems to assist radiologists in detecting prostate cancer from MRI scans, following draft guidance from NICE. This integration aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce waiting times while ensuring that AI tools complement rather than replace clinical expertise.

The National Health Service (NHS) is set to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) tools to improve the detection of prostate cancer through MRI scans, following new draft guidance issued by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Five AI systems have been recommended for use in supporting radiologists to identify potential areas of cancer and prioritize cases requiring urgent review.

Prostate cancer remains a significant health concern in the UK, with approximately 68,000 men diagnosed annually. MRI scans play a key role in assessing patient risk levels and determining the need for further diagnostic tests or treatment. The integration of AI is intended to enhance the accuracy and speed of diagnosis, helping to address the increasing demand for imaging services.

According to Professor Peter Johnson, the national clinical director for cancer, AI applications serve as an adjunct to clinical expertise rather than a replacement for radiologists. “Waiting to find out if you might have cancer is stressful, so anything that helps us give men clear answers sooner is very welcome,” he said. He emphasized the potential of AI to assist radiologists by highlighting suspicious areas on scans, thereby facilitating faster and more precise diagnoses.

Dr. Adrian Hayter, chief medical officer at NICE, echoed this view, noting that the approved AI tools could improve the identification of clinically significant prostate cancer and help manage the workload pressures facing NHS imaging departments. He clarified that radiologists would continue to conduct the reviews and interpret both the MRI scans and the AI findings.

While five AI tools received endorsement, two others were not supported due to insufficient evidence demonstrating their effectiveness. This selective approval underscores NICE’s commitment to ensuring that only well-validated technologies are adopted into the NHS clinical environment.

The move to integrate AI into prostate cancer imaging reflects broader trends in healthcare, where digital technologies are increasingly deployed to enhance diagnostic pathways, reduce waiting times, and improve patient outcomes. The ongoing evaluation of AI tools will likely continue as more data become available on their impact in real-world clinical settings.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.