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The NHS will test an AI-powered ‘one-day diagnostics’ service for prostate cancer from early 2026 at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, with roll-out to up to 15 hospitals. The AI reads MRI scans in minutes and flags high-risk results for same-day biopsy, potentially cutting waits by up to four weeks, NHS England said on October 28. Under current best practice, some men wait beyond the seven-day target for MRI and biopsy due to radiology capacity. The new pathway uses Pi™ software from Lucida Medical to triage scans rapidly so clinicians can confirm an all-clear the same day or book a biopsy immediately if prostate cancer is likely. England’s top cancer doctor, Professor Peter Johnson, called the approach a potential “game changer” that could save men “weeks of worry and uncertainty” while enabling treatment to begin sooner. Early studies suggest the tool can spot ~95 per cent of prostate cancers. Dr Oliver Hulson, Consultant Radiologist leading the Leeds trial, said the AI-assisted MRI pathway is designed to “fast-track those patients that may need to receive further investigations… to have them all in 1 day at the Leeds Cancer Centre.” He added that the aim is faster treatment and better outcomes for patients and families. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the move “modernises the NHS”, boosting productivity and ending needless waits for test results so patients can start treatment as fast as possible. Prostate cancer statistics Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. In England alone, 56,000 diagnoses and over 10,000 deaths occur each year, according to Prostate Cancer UK (PCUK data). Across the UK, about 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed in their lifetime, and risks are higher for Black men and those with a family history. If successful, the ‘one-day’ pathway could be scaled across England, bringing more men into timely treatment. AI prostate diagnostics gaining ground across Spain and Europe Spain and wider Europe are also moving quickly to adopt similar AI imaging tools. Hospitals such as Hospital Clínic Barcelona, working within the EU-funded INCISIVE project, are already using artificial intelligence to interpret prostate MRI scans drawn from millions of imaging records. Meanwhile, Valencia-based med-tech firm Quibim has partnered with Philips to integrate its QP-Prostate software (CE-certified) into MRI systems across European hospitals, achieving accuracy rates above 90 per cent in early studies. Although Spain has not yet confirmed a “same-day diagnostics” pathway like the UK, these developments suggest that AI-assisted prostate cancer detection is poised to expand across Europe, offering faster, more accurate assessments for patients. Movember: raising awareness and funding for men’s health Each November, the Movember campaign encourages men across the world to grow moustaches in support of men’s health awareness, focusing on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. Since 2003, the Movember Foundation has funded more than 1,250 projects globally, including major research into prostate cancer early detection and survivorship programmes in the UK and Europe. For all men, Movember offers a timely reminder to book a PSA test, speak to a doctor, and help break the stigma around men discussing their health. View all health news.
