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Screening and Diagnostics: Advancing the Frontiers of Healthcare

Screening and Diagnostics: Advancing the Frontiers of Healthcare

A Vision for Improved Screening Programs

In a compelling address, Sir Mike Richards, the Chair of the UK National Screening Committee outlined the critical role of screening and diagnostics in modern healthcare. 

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Speaking at  Curia’s “Transforming Care, Saving Lives: Revitalising UK Life Sciences and Diagnostics” Parliamentary report launch, in partnership with Revvity, Richards shared insights into existing programs, the challenges of cost-effectiveness, and the future potential of AI in screening and diagnostic technologies.

Key Efficiencies In Screening Approval  

One major efficiency that Richards noted was how the National Screening Committee answers as one body to all four nations in the UK, where health is a devolved matter. The upside to this is that all ministers receive the same advice which reduces the chances of regional disparities when it comes to screening programs. 

The second benefit that Richards spoke of was of ministers receptiveness to the Committee’s advice. Part of the reason the National Screening Committee is able to work effectively with minister’s is because they anticipate key concerns that a Minister may have.

This shows the level of trust that ministers have towards the committee and regulatory system. This contrasts to other countries such as the USA, where President Trump’s pick for the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert Kenndey JR, has spoken openly about many disagreements he has with FDA policy.

Screening Better & Smarter

During his speech, Sir Richards posed a thought-provoking question to the audience: “ Quiz question. What proportion of all cancers in this country are diagnosed through screening? The answer is actually a surprisingly small number. It’s 5 or 6%. But I believe that we’ve got the possibility of really increasing that to 10%, 15% or more.” 

This underscores the untapped potential screening has on speeding up diagnostics for patients. Richards gave examples of a number of projects where changing the criteria for eligibility could improve diagnostic outcomes. One was a new trail for expanding screenings for Breast Cancer to those over 70 & under 50 years old. While another was looking at reducing the FIT test criteria for BRCA 1 & 2 Bowel cancer from 120 to 80.  

In addition to wider screening, Richards also explained the importance of more targeted screening for those in higher risk groups. In particular Richards noted how those with very dense breasts were not only more at risk of cancer, but also were harder to spot on mammograms, highlighting the need for more targeted testing. This builds on the success of programs like the lung screening program which was aimed at those who are or were smokers. Richards went further to explain that the targeting in particular benefits those from deprived groups, helping to reduce health inequality.   

Richards also spoke about ways in which screenings could innovate, noting the success of self sampling, in particular with prostate cancer as well as looking at ways to improve and increase the use of multi-cancer tests.  

Revolutionising Diagnostics With Technology

In the final part of Richards’ speech, he touched on the way AI and further improvements in technology could play a role in screening and diagnostics, stating

“AI plays a role here. It can help the colonoscopist actually pick up where there is a lesion. It circles it and says, “have a careful look at this particular bit.”

Revvity also emphasised the potential AI had, stating in the report: “AI holds the promise of enabling early prediction and detection of diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. This could fundamentally change the way such conditions are diagnosed and potentially treated”   

Final Thought

In his speech Richards emphasised the shared task of the scientific community, government, and industry to harness innovation as well as re-evaluate current to create a more dynamic approach to screening and diagnostics. By doing this the UK Government can better reach its aims of better health outcomes and reducing health inequality across the UK.

Concluding the address, Richards expressed optimism and urgency: “It is an exciting time for both screening and diagnostics, but there is much more we need to do.”

To watch Richards’ full speech, please click below and subscribe to Chamber UK’s YouTube channel.

You can download Curia’s Transforming Care, Saving Lives: Revitalising UK Life Sciences and Diagnostics” report below.

Frontcover of the Revvity Report

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Screening and Diagnostics: Advancing the Frontiers of Healthcare

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