The UK must harness the transformative power of AI to “revolutionise the healthcare system” and reduce cancer deaths, Lord Darzi has urged.
Artificial intelligence “is no longer a distant dream”, but “a reality that is here to stay” and that we must take advantage of, he says.
The former Health Secretary, who recently carried out a major review of the state of the NHS, said it will play an increasingly vital role within the health service.
He said there will likely come a time when AI will be used to detect all cancers quickly, allowing for earlier treatment and increasing the chances of survival.
But he warned that “ambition must be tempered with pragmatism” and that strong regulation will be needed to ensure it is used wisely.
Lord Darzai, who recently carried out a major review of the NHS, said there will come a time when AI will be used to detect all cancers quickly (file image)
The former health minister said artificial intelligence must be used to help “revolutionise the healthcare system” and reduce cancer deaths in Britain (file image)
“It may be some time away, but it seems eminently possible to have, at some point, a system that uses AI to detect all cancers earlier, leading to less aggressive treatment, fewer side effects and a better quality of life.
“For this to be a common reality, it is essential that the new Government supports innovation and that there is strong regulation.”
Labor has promised to prioritize cancer as the UK’s survival rates lag behind much of Europe and other countries.
Poor access to timely diagnosis and treatment, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, is a factor in more than four in five NHS trusts failing to treat them in time.
While hospitals are supposed to treat 85 per cent of patients within 62 days of receiving an urgent referral, data from NHS England shows that 82 per cent fall short of this target.
Lord Darzi is one of the leading voices in oncology calling on ministers to deliver on a recent commitment to develop a specific cancer strategy.
Leading cancer charities have joined forces with AstraZeneca as part of its Cancer: Project Zero (must be sustained), which ultimately aims to eliminate cancer as a cause of death.
However, he warned that “ambition must be tempered with pragmatism” and that strong regulation will be needed “for AI (file image)
They hope to advise ministers on how best to achieve the new cancer targets.
Professor Richard Simcock, medical director at Macmillan Cancer Support, agreed that AI will play a crucial role in future strategies.
He said: “Artificial intelligence solutions will 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 that accompany these evolutions and more openly welcome efforts to improve patient autonomy.”
Experts said there is a strong economic argument that cancer research has been “overlooked for too long”, with it estimated that every £1 invested generates £2.80 in economic benefits.
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of CRUK, said: “There is no quick fix, but improvements can and should be made.”
“Research and innovation have been the driving force behind the doubling of cancer survival in the UK over the last 50 years and, despite the current prospects facing cancer patients, we are at the center of a ‘golden era of cancer research that, if harnessed, will drive economic growth and improve outcomes.’
Anna Arent, head of oncology at AstraZeneca UK, said: “Zero may seem distant, but our aim with this campaign is to celebrate the progress already made and collectively address the next steps needed.”
“This includes welcoming the Government’s recent commitment to a specific cancer strategy and calling for it to be developed in collaboration with the cancer community.”