A pioneering AI-assisted chest X-ray tool is helping to speed up lung cancer diagnoses across Greater Manchester, with thousands of patients already benefiting.

Linda Cotterell, 74, from Trafford, was sent for a chest X-ray in February after developing a persistent cough.

Behind the scenes, an advanced AI system analysed her scan and flagged potential lung cancer, allowing doctors to prioritise and review her case.

Just two days later, Linda received her diagnosis. She has since had successful surgery at Wythenshawe Hospital and is now cancer-free.

The AI technology, rolled out by Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance and facilitated by the Greater Manchester Imaging Network, can detect up to 124 findings on chest X-rays and has already processed over 500,000 scans across local hospitals. It identifies suspicious cases quickly, so clinicians can prioritise and review these first helping to detect – or rule out – cancer more quickly.

Headshot of Rhidian BramleyDr Rhidian Bramley, Clinical Lead for AI at Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said:

“We’re excited to be using the latest AI technology from Harrison.ai, deployed through Sectra Imaging, to support faster and more accurate chest X-ray reporting across Greater Manchester. This is helping to improve efficiency and deliver better outcomes for patients.”

Linda, a mum-of-two and former school receptionist, added: “I think it’s reassuring to have a second set of eyes to process all that information. If it means people get treated sooner, that’s great.”

After the chest x-ray things moved quickly for Linda who had a follow up CT and PET-scan and then visited the One-Stop Lung Cancer Clinic at Wythenshawe Hospital where doctors ran a number of tests to decide on her best treatment option. She had surgery to remove the lung cancer and a quarter of her left lung in April. As her cancer was found at an early stage, she did not need any further treatment. She’s since had further scans to check her progress and remains cancer free and doing well.

Linda said: “When they said it was lung cancer I was absolutely gobsmacked – it just wasn’t something I was thinking about.

“After my operation I was in hospital for two days then went home. Now I’m getting back to all my old activities – even the housework – and feeling a lot better. The support I’ve had from the Macmillan nurses asking if I needed any help or support has been really useful and so nice to know they are there. I hope sharing my experience can help someone else to get checked if they have symptoms.”

Dr Anna Sharman, Consultant Thoracic Radiologist at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust where Linda was treated, said: “The AI assisted chest x-ray means we can give patients with lung cancer that news quicker and get them started on their treatment sooner so that hopefully, like Linda, they can have a successful outcome and get back to their normal lives.”

Catherine Walsh, Associate Director of Imaging, Greater Manchester Diagnostic Network said: “It’s fantastic to see the impact the new AI technology is having on improving patient outcomes by speeding up diagnoses. This is a clear example of how AI can enhance clinical decision-making, to provide better care for the patients of Greater Manchester. The Greater Manchester Imaging Network is delighted to have been able to support the deployment of the project.”

Dr Aengus Tran, CEO and co-founder of Harrison.ai said: “This is exactly the kind of impact we hoped for when we set out to build this technology. Knowing that our tech has helped Linda, and many others like her, get the answers they need sooner is incredibly humbling. We’re proud to support the amazing clinicians across Greater Manchester who are using these tools every day to help patients get diagnosed earlier and begin treatment sooner. Seeing people both patients and their caregivers get back to their lives and the things they love is what drives us.”

Greater Manchester has some of the highest lung cancer rates in the country, making early detection vital. This innovation is part of a wider effort to improve cancer care and save lives.

Symptoms of lung cancer 

Lung cancer is much more treatable when found early so it’s important to know the signs:

  • coughing
  • breathlessness
  • unexplained weight loss

If you notice these symptoms, and they have lasted for three weeks or more, your GP wants to see you.

Giving up smoking is the single biggest thing people can do to reduce their risk see How to quit smoking – Make Smoking History

The NHS is also rolling out Lung Cancer Screening in Greater Manchester. Current and former smokers aged 55-74 will be sent an invite when the mobile screening service is in their area.