AI programme to improve early detection
An innovative new research programme which uses artificial intelligence to diagnose lung cancer earlier has been launched today.
Working with the NHS England Lung Health Check programme, clinical, imaging and molecular data will be combined for the first-time using AI algorithms. The aim is to diagnose lung cancer more accurately and more quickly, with fewer invasive tests.
The programme will also link to data from primary care to better assess risk in the general population to refine the selection process for screening and, in turn, define a new set of standards for lung cancer screening.
Speaking of its potential, chief investigator for the programme Professor Fergus Gleeson believes it could “reduce patient anxiety and diagnose cancers earlier to improve survival and save the NHS money.”
Relieving scanxiety
Earlier this week, our patient advocate Mandee had her latest routine scan. She was understandably anxious, even more than normal given the current situation. However, she was really impressed with how the hospital was set up.
“It was a very good experience. Very efficient. Temperature taken on entry. Mask given out. Good directions. Great social distancing. Quieter so everything got done much quicker. It was a really good experience actually. I’m very impressed, really well done. So, I suppose the morale of this story is don’t be scared. Go and get your scan. It’s so important to keep up to date with these things.”
Lung cancer awareness month is coming… maybe sooner than you think
Plans are coming together for this year’s campaign for lung cancer awareness month and we’re really excited! Many of you living with the disease have already come forward to be part of this year’s campaign, which builds on the success of Follow my Lead, Like Me, Face your Fear and HeadHigh.
Awareness is a big part of what we do as a charity and is even more crucial under the current shadow of coronavirus. As so many of you know, a cough does not just mean covid.
We are still looking for people to be part of the campaign, so if you are living well with lung cancer, have had curative treatment or have lost a loved one from the disease, please get in touch: marketingteam@roycastle.org.
There is always hope
A man who contracted coronavirus and was given almost zero chance of recovery has now home after what nurses described as a “miracle recovery”.
Mal Martin was gravely ill. His family was told to prepare for the worst and so his wife and children said goodbye before he was put into an induced coma.
However, against all odds, he is now home.
