A groundbreaking prostate cancer diagnostic service that can provide results in just one day through the NHS is set to become available for men suspected of having the condition.

This innovative one-day diagnostic process utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to swiftly analyze MRI scans, identifying individuals at high risk of prostate cancer who are then promptly referred to a radiologist for urgent evaluation. Patients can undergo a biopsy on the same day if cancer is suspected.

The swift turnaround time for results, involving a specialized team’s review, aims to eliminate the prolonged wait times typically associated with receiving a cancer diagnosis. Patients participating in the trials could potentially receive a clear diagnosis on the same day or within the following day.

Each year, approximately 55,300 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed, leading to 12,200 deaths annually as reported by Cancer Research UK.

The initiative for expedited diagnosis is scheduled to commence at Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust in the UK and has been hailed as a potential game-changer by leading oncologists. Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, expressed optimism about the AI-powered one-day diagnostics trial, highlighting its capacity to alleviate anxiety and uncertainty for men awaiting test results.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the distressing impact of long waiting times for prostate cancer test results and treatment. He praised the use of technology, specifically AI, to facilitate same-day prostate cancer diagnoses, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and supporting healthcare providers.

The AI technology will be deployed across 15 hospitals in Yorkshire, Manchester, and regions in the South West and South East of England, with plans to analyze 10,000 scans to further streamline the diagnostic process and improve patient care.