AI used to boost cancer detection rates by 8%

General Practitioners (GPs) in England have made significant strides in cancer detection, thanks to an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) tool called "C the Signs." This AI program scans medical records to identify hidden patterns, leading to an impressive 8% increase in cancer detection rates.

The tool's effectiveness has been demonstrated across multiple practices, offering a promising advancement in early cancer diagnosis and patient care.

How does it work?

The "C the Signs" AI tool meticulously analyzes a patient's medical record, compiling past medical history, test results, prescriptions, treatments, and other personal characteristics like postcode, age, and family history. By integrating this comprehensive data, the AI can identify potential cancer risks that might be overlooked in routine checkups.

It prompts GPs to inquire about new symptoms and recommends specific tests or clinical pathways if it detects higher risk patterns.

Dr. Bea Bakshi, who co-created the system, explained, "It could be a scan, an ultrasound, or they could need to be seen by a specialist at a clinic."

This proactive approach ensures that patients receive timely and appropriate referrals for further testing or specialist consultation.

Why does it matter?

Early detection is crucial in cancer treatment, and the "C the Signs" tool has proven to be a game-changer. In practices using the AI tool, cancer detection rates rose from 58.7% to 66.0% — a significant improvement that highlights the tool's impact.

Dr. Bakshi emphasized, "Our system has detected over 50 different types of cancers. The key thing is that it's not only an earlier diagnosis, but a faster diagnosis."

The ability to track patients through the system ensures follow-up on test results and referrals, enhancing overall care quality.

Dr. Peter Holloway shared an anecdote highlighting the tool's effectiveness: "Very common symptoms, and not things that would lead you to do a referral for suspected cancer," he said. But the C the Signs tool recommended a faecal test. "The test was positive, he was referred and he turned out to have colorectal cancer, which was diagnosed early and treated successfully."

The context

"C the Signs" is currently utilized in about 1,400 practices across England, approximately 15% of the total. It underwent testing in 35 practices in the East of England in May 2021, covering a population of 420,000 patients. The results, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, showed a marked improvement in cancer detection rates in practices using the tool compared to those that did not. This success underscores the tool's potential in transforming cancer diagnosis and aligns with the NHS England Long Term Plan for Cancer, which aims to have 75% of all cancers diagnosed by stages one or two by 2028.

Dr. Bakshi's drive to develop this tool stemmed from a personal experience: "Why are patients with cancer being diagnosed so late?" she questioned after a patient with a late diagnosis of pancreatic cancer died shortly after being seen. This tool aims to address such issues by enhancing early detection.

Prof Peter Johnson, National Clinical Director for Cancer at NHS England, remarked on the broader impact: "Despite increased demand and pressure on services, record numbers of people are being checked and treated for cancer, and we are now diagnosing a higher proportion of cancers at an early stage, increasing people's chances of survival."