The government has announced the launch of a trial that will test how AI tools can be used to detect cases of breast cancer earlier.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) confirmed that nearly 700,000 women will take part in the trial in 30 testing sites across England, each of which will be enhanced with AI technologies, ready to invite women already booked in for routine screening on the NHS.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, with around 55,000 people being diagnosed with the disease every year.
The technology will assist radiologists, screening patients to identify changes in breast tissue that show possible signs of cancer and referred for further investigations if required.
Professor Lucy Chappell, chief scientific adviser at the DHSC and chief executive of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) said: “This landmark trial could lead to a significant step forward in the early detection of breast cancer, offering women faster, more accurate diagnoses when it matters most.
“It is another example of how NIHR research, shaped and funded by the public, is crucial for rigorously testing world-leading new technologies, such as AI, that can potentially save lives while reducing the burden on the NHS.”
Currently two specialists are needed per mammogram screening, however the technology enables the mammogram screening process to be completed safely and efficiently by one specialist.
If the ‘Early Detection using Information Technology in Health’ (EDITH) trial is successful, it could free up radiologists and other specialists to see more patients and cut waiting lists.
The EDITH trial is backed by £11m of government support via the NIHR and comes as cancer experts, people living with cancer, and medical professionals are invited to help shape the development of a national cancer plan via the launch of a call for evident, announced by Wes Streeting, health secretary.
Streeting said: “As a cancer survivor, I feel like one of the lucky ones.
“With record numbers of people diagnosed with cancer, and Lord Darzi finding that cancer survival is worse in this country than our peers, I know that urgent action is needed to save lives and improve patient care.
“That’s why for World Cancer Day, I am committed to publishing a dedicated national cancer plan this year, to unleash Britain’s potential as a world-leader in saving lives from this deadly disease and make the NHS fit for the future through our Plan for Change.”
Members of the public, as well as NHS staff and experts, have been invited to share their experiences, views and ideas for fixing the NHS via the Change NHS online platform, which will help shape the government’s 10 year health plan.
The results of this consultation will support the development of the National Cancer Plan, which is expected to be published later this year.
This closely follows the launch of the AI Opportunities Action Plan, which the government says has attracted more than £14bn in investment since launching in January 2025.
