Doctors at Leeds Teaching Hospitals have begun using an AI co-pilot for cancer diagnosis to accelerate detection and improve patient care. This advanced tool reviews chest X-rays within minutes and helps identify conditions like lung cancer, severe infections, and mispositioned breathing tubes.
The AI software supports doctors by recognizing up to 85 different clinical findings. It operates as a second set of eyes, allowing clinicians to prioritize urgent cases more effectively. With over 135,000 chest X-rays performed annually at the trust, this technology improves both speed and safety.
Dr Fahmid Chowdhury, the project’s clinical lead and a consultant radiologist, highlighted its impact. He noted that the system already helps radiologists catch subtle abnormalities faster than they might on an initial review. “We’ve seen examples where the AI flagged issues instantly,” he said. “That kind of support shortens delays in critical cases.”
He also mentioned that the tool benefits patients whose scans show no issues. “It reassures both the patient and the clinician. Everyone can move forward with more confidence,” he added.
The AI doesn’t replace the clinician. Instead, it assists them. “This isn’t about removing the doctor from the process,” said Dr Chowdhury. “Think of it like flying a plane—the AI sits in the co-pilot seat. The doctor is still the one flying.”
The rollout in Leeds is part of the Yorkshire Imaging Collaborative, which connects imaging departments across the region to boost diagnostic quality. The initiative also received funding through the NHS AI Diagnostic Fund, which allocated £21 million to support similar networks across the country.
Since the pilot launched, clinicians have reported noticeable improvements. In one case, a radiologist nearly missed a key abnormality, but the AI caught it. Situations like these demonstrate how the system adds a valuable safety layer without slowing down care.
Dr Chowdhury emphasized that while AI speeds up processes, it doesn’t automate decisions. “The healthcare worker always makes the final call,” he stated. The AI serves as a tool that enhances accuracy and helps staff manage large volumes of imaging results.
This new AI co-pilot cancer diagnosis system provides an answer to rising diagnostic demand and staff shortages. It supports overworked teams, allowing them to focus more on complex interpretations while the AI handles routine or clearly abnormal cases.
Looking ahead, the trust hopes to expand the system’s use. If the Leeds trial continues to perform well, other hospitals in the UK could adopt similar AI tools. For now, the results show that when doctors and machines work together, patients benefit the most.
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