NHS pilots iPhone device for throat cancer detection

The NHS is piloting an iPhone device and app that helps detect throat cancer earlier and give patients the all-clear for the disease faster.

An initial trial on triaged low-risk patients at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust found that no cancers were missed using this device, with patients receiving their results within 23 hours of the test taking place.

The device, developed by West Midlands based med tech firm Endoscope-i, is one of 14 projects to receive a share of £25m as part of the NHS Cancer Programme Innovation Open Call.

It features an adapter providing a 32mm lens and accompanying app which can turn an iPhone into a portable diagnostic gadget used by nurses to detect or rule out throat cancer.

Dr Cally Palmer, national cancer director at NHS England, said: “While staff have been working hard to see and treat more people with cancer than ever before, we know that some people are still waiting too long to receive a diagnosis or the all-clear.

“The NHS continues to adopt the latest technologies with the potential to benefit patients, and through pioneering new innovations like this iPhone device which could be used in any setting, we hope we’ll be able to detect many more cancers sooner and in ways that are more convenient and less invasive for patients.”

So far over 1,800 patients have been reassured they do not have throat cancer within just a few days, while healthcare professionals have been able to focus their resources on the smaller numbers who have a confirmed cancer diagnosis.

The device captures live endoscopy examinations of the throat in high definition, which can then be instantly shared with specialist head and neck consultants via a secure data cloud.

A consultant then reviews the video footage and can rapidly detect any traces of cancer, reporting this directly back to the patient.

The vast majority of patients at low risk who have been examined using the iPhone device had cancer ruled out, although around one in 100 of this group were discovered to have cancer using the gadget.

The technology is being rolled out across the West Midlands initially but could be used in any NHS setting, including diagnostic centres and in community settings.

Karin Smyth, health minister, said: “This new technology is a shining example of how innovation and research can tackle waiting lists, improve patient experience and speed up diagnosis.

“Using the app, patients can access a potentially lifesaving consultation. By catching cancer earlier and treating it faster, we can ensure more people survive this horrible disease.

“Harnessing technology to support the NHS is a key part of our 10-year health plan, and will shift the NHS from analogue to digital, equipping the health service with more cutting edge-technologies to catch cancers on time.”

The Department of Science, Innovation and Technology announced in October 2024 that new partnerships, backed by public and private sector investment, will trial ways to tackle cancer and other life-threatening diseases by deploying new technologies.