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Greater Manchester is pioneering the use of a new AI technology to speed up lung cancer diagnosis across seven NHS Trusts. This initiative, part of a collaboration with the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, Greater Manchester Imaging Network, and health tech company Annalise.ai, aims to address high lung cancer rates in the region, which are 24% above the UK national average.
The AI-powered solution, currently live at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, helps healthcare professionals detect up to 124 findings on chest X-rays within seconds. By flagging potentially suspicious cases in under a minute, this tool allows doctors to prioritize reviews for faster diagnosis, improving the likelihood of early intervention and treatment for lung cancer patients.
Funded by the Artificial Intelligence Diagnostics Fund, the Annalise.ai system will be integrated across the Greater Manchester Imaging Network via Sectra Imaging, covering a population of 2.8 million. This rollout forms part of Greater Manchester's broader program to improve cancer care and patient outcomes.
Healthcare leaders, including Mayor Andy Burnham and Health Secretary Wes Streeting, have endorsed this innovation as a step forward in tackling lung cancer’s impact on the region. They highlight the potential of digital advancements like AI to transform the NHS’s diagnostic capabilities, allowing for faster, more accurate diagnoses and improved patient care.
