Nuevo Leon Launches AI-Based Lung Cancer Screening Program

The Ministry of Health of Nuevo Leon has launched a state-level lung cancer screening program that integrates advanced AI into diagnostic imaging processes. The initiative is the first of its kind in Mexico and aims to strengthen prevention and promote early detection of lung cancer.

Through the program, the state will screen for risk factors, including tobacco use and environmental exposure, at primary care levels. The AI software will analyze imaging data to identify suspicious pulmonary nodules that could indicate potential cases of lung cancer, enabling timely diagnosis and intervention.

“This collaboration with public and private institutions, as well as universities, allows us to develop protocols and interventions based on scientific evidence. This initiative represents a historic step in lung cancer care in our state, improving awareness, early identification, and immediate referral,” says Alma Marroquín, Nuevo Leon’s Minister of Health.

The program also includes a formal collaboration agreement between the state Ministry of Health, AstraZeneca, and the Hospital Universitario. The agreement aims to improve prevention, diagnostic accuracy, and survival rates, benefiting both Nuevo Leon and Mexico.

This joint effort builds on prior collaborations that established early detection strategies for lung cancer. By integrating AI tools into routine screening, Nuevo Leon positions itself at the forefront of lung cancer detection in the country, offering a model that could inform broader national strategies. The state reports about 400 new cases of lung cancer annually.

One of the main drivers of AI adoption in cancer care is the increasing global incidence of cancer. As the number of cancer cases continues to rise, healthcare providers are increasingly turning to AI for solutions that can improve early detection and help develop personalized treatment plans. AI’s ability to process vast datasets quickly and accurately offers the potential for more effective and targeted therapies, which is especially important given the growing cancer burden worldwide.

“By integrating AI-driven solutions into their practices, medical professionals can enhance efficiency, improve patient outcomes, and navigate the complexities of modern healthcare more effectively,” writes Adrián Alcántara, CEO, Doctoralia México, on MBN.