What were we asked to look at?

We have been asked to assess the use of artificial intelligence (AI) supported clinician review of chest x-ray (CXR) images from patients with suspected lung cancer. 

Why is this important?

Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in Scotland. In 2021, 5,476 people (2,699 men and 2,777 women) were diagnosed with lung cancer, representing 15.5% of all cancer diagnoses in Scotland. By 2027, the percentage of people receiving a new diagnosis of lung cancer in Scotland is predicted to increase by 29% in women and by 12% in men.

The biggest risk factor for developing lung cancer is smoking history. Other risk factors include occupational hazard exposure (for example, to asbestos), family history of lung cancer, and a higher level of socioeconomic deprivation.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer related death in Scotland. Most people who are diagnosed with lung cancer present late to clinical services. In 2022, 45% of people with lung cancer in Scotland were diagnosed when their cancer was late-stage (stage four). A late-stage cancer diagnosis means that the cancer has spread to at least one other organ in the body and may no longer be treatable.

Referred by

The Accelerated National Innovation Adoption (ANIA) collaborative