Five smart technologies that act as a "second pair of eyes"
during bowel examinations have been conditionally recommended by
NICE for NHS use, potentially helping doctors spot harmful
growths that could turn into cancer.
Patients having a colonoscopy – a camera test to look inside the
bowel – could benefit from cutting-edge artificial intelligence
(AI) tech that helps doctors spot small growths called polyps
more easily. Some of these polyps can turn into bowel cancer if
not found and removed early.
NICE's independent advisory committee has said five AI
technologies can be used in the NHS whilst more evidence is
collected over the next four years to understand their full
benefits.
These AI tools watch the live camera feed during a colonoscopy
and have learned to spot polyps by studying thousands of images.
When the software thinks it sees a polyp, it alerts the doctor to
the area of concern. It's like having an extra pair of eyes
looking out for anything that might be easy to miss.
The doctor stays in complete control and makes all the decisions
– whether something really is a polyp, whether it needs removing,
and what to do next. The whole process fits into the normal
colonoscopy and usually adds just a minute or two to the
appointment.
The five technologies are:
- CAD EYE
- ENDO-AID
- EndoScreener
- GI Genius
- MAGENTIQ-COLO
Bowel cancer is the UK's fourth most common cancer, affecting
over 42,000 people each year. Catching it early makes a huge
difference – 9 out of 10 people survive when it's found at the
earliest stage. Finding and removing polyps before they become
cancerous is one of the best ways to prevent bowel cancer.
Dr Anastasia Chalkidou, HealthTech programme director at
NICE, said: "These AI technologies work like a helpful
assistant during bowel examinations, flagging up areas that
doctors might want to take a second look at.
“By helping to spot more polyps, these tools could potentially
save lives by catching problems before they develop into cancer.
“We're allowing these technologies to be used now because they
show real promise, whilst we gather the detailed evidence, we
need to understand their long-term impact on preventing cancer."
Professor Neil Hawkins, vice chair of the NICE
diagnostics advisory committee, said: "The committee saw
clear evidence that these AI tools can help doctors find more
polyps during bowel examinations. However, we need more
information to fully understand how this translates into
preventing cancer and saving lives in the long run.
“That's why we're recommending they can be used whilst companies
collect more detailed evidence. It's vital to remember that AI
supports doctors' expertise – it doesn't replace their skill and
judgement in caring for patients."
Supporting the government's mission to fight bowel
cancer
This guidance supports the government's commitment to
transforming cancer care and getting diagnoses faster. The
government's 10 Year Health Plan is focused on shifting care
closer to home and using the latest technology to improve patient
outcomes.
The government is backing groundbreaking research to detect bowel
cancer earlier and more effectively. Recent investments include
£2.4 million for an AI blood test that can spot cancer with over
99% accuracy, making diagnosis quicker, less invasive and
cheaper.
Health Innovation Minister Dr said: “When I started
out in the NHS 20 years ago, I never imagined this sort of
healthcare could be possible.
“It is so exciting to be able to harness this technology to
ensure patients have their cancers spotted early – in some cases
before they've had a chance to develop – and arm our NHS with
rigorously tested and evidenced clinical AI tools.
“Our 10 Year Health Plan will ensure patients get the care they
need and make the NHS the most AI-enabled healthcare system in
the world, as we shift from analogue to digital and sickness to
prevention.”
Professor Peter Johnson, national clinical director for
cancer at NHS England, said: “AI technologies are a
really exciting step forward for patients, giving our clinicians
an extra tool to spot problems like harmful growths sooner when
they're far easier to remove and prevent cancers from developing.
"We're committed to bringing innovative technology into frontline
care quickly and safely as part of the NHS's move from analogue
to digital, and this is a perfect example of that. I am looking
forward to seeing how this technology works in NHS services,
alongside the appropriate clinical oversight – and the benefits
it has for patients.”
A consultation on the draft recommendations has now begun.
Comments can be submitted via nice.org.uk until Thursday 11
December 2025.
ENDS
About the guidance
- The draft guidance will be available at https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/indevelopment/gid-dg10118
from Thursday 20 November 2025.
- An embargoed copy can be downloaded: https://dmscdn.vuelio.co.uk/publicitem/32a8d735-7437-4dac-ab5a-41525416ac5c
- The draft guidance is open for public feedback until Thursday
11 December 2025. A second committee meeting is scheduled for 7th
January 2025 to consider responses before final guidance is
published.
- The technologies are recommended for people having a
colonoscopy who don't have inflammatory bowel disease (conditions
like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) or Lynch syndrome (an
inherited condition that increases cancer risk). More research is
needed on using AI technologies for these specific patient
groups.
