The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced its intention to implement a recommendation from the UK National Screening Committee to expand the use of digital pathology for examining tissue samples.
The adoption of digital imaging in screening for breast, bowel, and cervical cancer will offer clinicians the ability to seek second opinions on sample assessments, leading to more efficient and faster laboratory operations, including remote reporting. This advancement is expected to facilitate quicker cancer identification and diagnosis.
The DHSC’s decision follows the recent expansion of the NHS bowel cancer screening program, the establishment of community diagnostic centers, and additional investments in breast screening units. Health Minister Andrew Stephenson emphasized the importance of early cancer detection and the government’s commitment to enhancing cancer diagnosis and treatment in the UK.
The UK National Screening Committee has evaluated evidence on slide imaging and confirmed that digital pathology can be a safe and effective alternative to traditional microscopy for screening samples. The committee’s recommendation has been approved to support pathologists with increased flexibility and sample sharing for quality assurance.
NHS England is expected to issue guidance on the implementation of digital pathology, following the government’s endorsement of the UK National Screening Committee’s recommendation.
The UK National Screening Committee serves as an independent advisory committee, providing guidance to ministers and the NHS on various screening aspects. Through their decision to embrace digital pathology, the DHSC aims to further advance cancer care and diagnosis in the UK.
