PM to set out ambitious plans to transform outcomes for people with chronic diseases

• Artificial intelligence to help prevent 22,000 cancer deaths each year by 2033

• Innovations to help people enjoy an additional five years of healthy, independent life by 2035

 

Ambitious new plans set out by the Prime Minister today will see around 22,000 fewer people dying from cancer each year by 2033. 

 

Speaking in Macclesfield, the Prime Minister will use a speech to challenge the NHS, Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector and health charities to use data and AI to transform the diagnosis of chronic diseases.

 

The plans will see at least 50,000 people each year diagnosed at an early stage of prostate, ovarian, lung or bowel cancer – people who would have otherwise been diagnosed at a later and more deadly stage.

 

This would be done through using emerging technologies to cross reference people’s genetics, habits and medical records with national data to spot those at an early stage of cancer – empowering doctors to make referrals to an oncologist earlier and even ahead of clear symptoms developing.

 

The Prime Minister is expected to say: “Late diagnosis of otherwise treatable illnesses is one of the biggest causes of avoidable deaths. 

 

“And the development of smart technologies to analyse great quantities of data quickly and with a higher degree of accuracy than is possible by human beings opens up a whole new field of medical research and gives us a new weapon in our armoury in the fight against disease. 

 

“Achieving this mission will not only save thousands of lives. It will incubate a whole new industry around AI-in-healthcare, creating high-skilled science jobs across the country, drawing on existing centres of excellence in places like Edinburgh, Oxford and Leeds – and helping to grow new ones.”

 

Sir Harpel Kumar, CEO of Cancer Research said: “Earlier detection and diagnosis could fundamentally transform outcomes for people with cancer, as well as saving the NHS money. The Government’s mission to revolutionise healthcare using the power of artificial intelligence is pioneering. Advances in detection technologies depend on the intelligent use of data and have the potential to save hundreds of thousands of lives every year. We need to ensure we have the right infrastructure, embedded in our health system, to make this possible.

 

“Cancer Research UK estimates that if this infrastructure enabled us to reduce late diagnosis by half in the next fifteen years, then for just four types of cancers: lung, bowel, prostate and ovary, 22,000 fewer people each year would die within five years of their diagnosis. Our goal is that 3 in 4 people will survive their cancer by 2034 and we support efforts that will help us achieve this ambition. 

 

“The UK must remain an attractive place for the life sciences industry to invest. If this platform unites Government, academia, the charity sector, and industry, we will be primed to accelerate innovation and lead the healthcare sector to new heights.”

 

While the speech will set out specific details for cancer – which kills 164,000 people each year the UK – a range of chronic diseases including heart disease, diabetes and dementia will be targeted.

 

In heart and circulatory disease, a recent study has shown that analysis of retinal scans, which many people have carried out routinely as part of an eye assessment, using AI can predict future risk of heart attacks and strokes. This illustrates the potential of AI in early detection and prevention of such diseases.

 

Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Accelerating research using health data and artificial intelligence will build on the UK’s reputation for cutting-edge science, and lead to transformative improvements in treating patients within the NHS.

 

“Our research, including through initiatives like UK Biobank, is already showing the huge potential of data science to transform care for the millions of people living with heart and circulatory disease in the UK. For example, there is promising evidence that using artificial intelligence to analyse MRI scans could spot early signs of heart disease which may be missed by current techniques. This could lead to a quicker diagnosis with more personalised treatment that could ultimately save lives.”

 

“Through investment in innovation  we will also accelerate the adoption of new data-led technologies, for instance  to detect and monitor conditions like atrial fibrillation, diabetes and high blood pressure, all of which significantly increase the risk of a deadly heart attack or stroke.”

 

She will also use the speech to announce another target to ensure that five more years of people’s lives will be healthy, independent and active by 2035.

 

This will be achieved through a number of interventions that will support people to remain at work for longer, build markets for consumer products and services that better meet the needs of older people, drive improvements in public health and innovate across the social care sector. 

 

The government launched the Modern Industrial Strategy in November 2017 – its plan to improve productivity and create better and higher-paying jobs across the UK.

 

The Prime Minister will say: “Our challenge as a nation, and my determination as Prime Minister, is not just to lead the world in the 4th industrial revolution – but to ensure that every part our country powers that success.

 

“That is what our modern Industrial Strategy is all about. Investing in science and research to keep us at the forefront of new technologies and the benefits they bring.

 

“Nurturing the talent of tomorrow - through more outstanding schools, world-leading universities and the technical skills that will drive our economy.

 

“And transforming the places where people live and work – the places where ideas and inspiration are born – by backing businesses and building infrastructure not just in London and the South East but across every part of our country.”

 

Underpinning the strategy are four Grand Challenges reflecting global trends that will shape our future and represent industries where the UK has an edge: artificial intelligence and the data economy; clean growth; healthy ageing; and the future of mobility.

 

The strategy is backed by a record boost to R&D spending – which will hit 2.4 per cent of GDP by 2027. This could increase public and private R&D investment by as much as £80 billion over the next 10 years.