NHS England to trial AI and robotic tools to detect and diagnose lung cancer

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 2 min read 100% complete by Denis Campbell Health policy editorJanuary 27, 2026 at 01:01 AM

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NHS England will trial AI and robotic tools at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS trust in London to improve the detection and diagnosis of lung cancer. The trial aims to speed up the process by using AI to analyze lung scans and robotic cameras to guide biopsies, enabling earlier and more precise diagnoses. This initiative coincides with the NHS pledge to offer lung cancer screenings to all smokers and ex-smokers by 2030, with the goal of diagnosing an estimated 50,000 lung cancers by 2035. The technology aims to address health inequalities, as lung cancer disproportionately affects poorer populations and contributes to life expectancy gaps. If successful, this technology could transform lung cancer diagnosis and reduce the need for repeat scans and invasive surgeries.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

London 50% Peter Johnson 60% Guy's and St Thomas' NHS trust 60% UK 70% England ×370% NHS England ×490%

Keywords

lung cancer 100% artificial intelligence 80% robotic tools 70% early detection 70% diagnosis 60% nhs england 60% health inequalities 50% cancer screening 50% biopsy 40% lung scans 40%