Currently, two radiologists are need to look at mammogram images to ensure accuracy, but AI is to be rolled out to 30 testing sites across the UK – with it being hoped that the technology can free up one of the two experts so that more patients can be seen quicker.

Dr Katharine Halliday, president of the Royal College of Radiologists, said machine learning could have a "major impact on radiology" given the "volume and complexity of breast screening", but emphasised it would "take time" as it was a "rigorous study".

According to Sky News, she said: "With a projected 40 per cent shortfall in consultant radiologists by 2028, the need to build radiology capacity remains urgent."

It is expected that roughly 700,000 women will take part in the research, with those already booked in for a routine NHS screening to be invited to join the £11 million Early Detection using Information Technology in Health (Edith) trial.

The government will be collecting research to help build a national cancer plan in a concerted effort to revolutionise treatment and reduce mortality rates caused by the disease.

It is hoped that research, diagnosis, screening, treatment and prevention will all be improved thanks to AI.

National clinical director for cancer Professor Peter Johnson said: "The NHS is diagnosing more cancers at an early stage than ever before - when treatment is most likely to be effective - but we know we need to accelerate progress further.

"A national cancer plan will give us the chance to do just that - bringing in new ideas, helping us make best practise, normal practise - and ensure the NHS is at the cutting edge of new cancer developments and innovations in the future."

Chief executive of Breast Cancer Now Claire Rowney insisted any changes made to the breast cancer screening programme must be supported by evidence that shows "any new innovation or tool is safe and effective for women".

According to Breast Cancer Now, approximately 55,000 women and 400 men in the UK are diagnosed with the disease every year.