NICE recommends AI tools that spot bowel cancer warnings earlier
- 24 November 2025
- Five AI tools that help spot warning signs of bowel cancer earlier have been conditionally recommended by NICE
- They help doctors spot polyps more easily, which can turn into bowel cancer if not found and removed early
- A consultation on the draft recommendations has begun
Five AI tools that help spot warning signs of bowel cancer earlier have been conditionally recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
The technology acts as a ‘second pair of eyes’ in colonoscopies, helping doctors spot polyps more easily, which can turn into bowel cancer if not found and removed early.
NICE’s independent advisory committee said that CAD EYE, ENDO-AID, EndoScreener, GI Genius, and MAGENTIQ-COLO can be used in the NHS whilst more evidence is collected over the next four years to understand their full benefits.
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.”
The AI technologies watch the live camera feed during a colonoscopy and alert the doctor to areas of concern, so that they can makes a decision on the next step on whether something is a polyp, whether it needs removing, and what to do next.
The process fits into the normal colonoscopy and usually adds just a minute or two to appointments.
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 begun and comments can be submitted until 11 December 2025.
The NICE guidance supports the government’s commitment to transforming cancer care and getting diagnoses faster in the 10 year health plan.
The government is also backing research to detect bowel cancer earlier and more effectively, including an investment of £2.4 million for an AI blood test that can spot cancer with more than 99% accuracy.
