The UK must harness AI’s transformative power to ‘revolutionise the healthcare system’ and slash cancer deaths, Lord Darzi has urged.
Artificial intelligence is ‘no longer a distant dream’ but ‘a reality that’s here to stay’ which must be seized upon, he says.
The former health minister, who recently conducted a major review of the state of the NHS, said it will increasingly play a vital role within the health service.
He said a time will likely come when AI is used to detect all cancers quickly, allowing earlier treatment and boosting survival chances.
But he warned ‘ambition must be tempered with pragmatism’ and that robust regulation will be needed to ensure it is used wisely.
Lord Darzai, who recently conducted a major review of the NHS, said a time will come when AI is used to detect all cancers quickly (stock image)
The ex-health minister said artificial intelligence must be used to help ‘revolutionise the healthcare system’ and slash cancer deaths in Britain (stock image)
‘It may be some time off, but it feels eminently possible to, at some point, have a system which uses AI to detect all cancers earlier, leading to less aggressive treatment, fewer side effects and better quality of life.
‘In order to make this a common reality, endorsement of innovation by the new Government and robust regulation are essential.’
Labour has vowed to prioritise cancer with the UK survival rates lagging behind much of Europe and other countries.
Poor access to timely diagnosis and treatment, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, are a factor with more than four in five NHS trusts failing to treat them on time.
While hospitals are supposed to treat 85 per cent of patients within 62 days of receiving an urgent referral, NHS England data shows 82 per cent, are falling short of this target.
Lord Darzi is one of a number of leading voices in oncology calling on ministers to deliver on a recent commitment to develop a dedicated cancer strategy.
Leading cancer charities have joined forces with AstraZeneca as part of its Cancer: Project Zero (must keep) which ultimately aims to eliminate cancer as a cause of death.
However, he warned ‘ambition must be tempered with pragmatism’ and that robust regulation will be needed’ for AI (stock image)
They hope to be able to advise ministers on how best any new cancer targets are met.
Professor Richard Simcock, chief medical officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, agreed AI will play a crucial role in future strategies.
He said: ‘Artificial intelligence solutions may soon be able to decode the jargon of a pathology or radiology report for people as easily as our smartphones can unlock a food menu in a foreign language.
‘However, we need professional communities to chaperone these evolutions and more openly welcome efforts to improve patient autonomy.’
Experts said there is a strong economic argument for cancer research has been ‘overlooked for too long’, with every £1 invested estimated to generate £2.80 in economic benefits.
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of CRUK, said: ‘There is no quick fix, but improvements can and must be made.
‘Research and innovation have been the driving force behind the UK doubling cancer survival in the last 50 years – and despite the current outlook faced by cancer patients, we are at the centre of a golden age of cancer research which, if harnessed, will power economic growth and improve outcomes.’
Anna Arent, head of oncology at AstraZeneca UK, said: ‘Zero may feel far away but our goal with this campaign is to celebrate the progress already made and to collectively address the next steps required.
‘This includes welcoming the Government’s recent commitment to a dedicated cancer strategy, and calling for it to be developed in collaboration with the cancer community.’
