Skin cancer can be deadly if not caught early. But thanks to modern technology, we may have a powerful new tool to stop this disease in its tracks.

Researchers in the UK have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) app that can detect signs of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, with an incredible 100 per cent accuracy.

It also correctly identified 99.5 per cent of all skin cancers, including dangerous melanomas and more common non-melanomas, and pre-cancerous growths on the skin nearly 93 per cent of the time.

The AI was also able to identify all 59 cases of melanoma it was tested on and only missed one out of 190 cases of any skin cancer.

This technology could truly save lives by spotting these stealthy cancers sooner. When found early, melanoma has a 5-year survival rate of 99 per cent. But tragically, over 57,000 people worldwide died from this disease in 2020 alone.

The software detected 59 out of 59 melanomas and 189 of 190 total cancers. Credit: Unsplash.

So, how does the app work? It uses a sophisticated algorithm trained on thousands of images of cancers. This teaches the AI system what the visual hallmarks of different skin cancers look like and the subtle signs that the naked eye can miss.

The key to diagnosing melanoma is paying attention to the ABCDEs:

• Asymmetry - Most melanomas present as asymmetrically shaped moles with uneven edges.
• Border irregularity - Irregular borders of a mole can also indicate melanoma. The edges of a normal mole are uniform and smooth.
• Colour variation - A suspicious mole often contains several shades of brown, black, or tan, as well as pink, red, or purple spots, and it becomes more colourful as the cancer progresses.
• Diameter - Melanomas typically appear slightly larger than a pea or a pencil eraser, measuring about six millimetres or a quarter of an inch in diameter.
• Evolution over time - Melanoma grows in two phases: horizontal and vertical.

Dr Kashini Andrew, who led the research, said the AI has learned so much from its training that it can sometimes outperform human doctors.

While dermatologists look for the ABCDEs, the AI uses an advanced pattern recognition system to analyse lesions.

According to Dr Andrew, 'This technology has the capacity to free up more time for patients that need urgent attention.'

Doctors hope that in the future, people can use the app at home to get an early assessment of any suspicious moles. This could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.

However, they cautioned that the app is not ready to replace dermatologists.

'We would like to stress that AI should not be used as a standalone tool in skin cancer detection,' noted Dr Irshad Zaki, who co-authored the study.

‘AI is not a substitute for Consultant Dermatologists.’

He went on to argue that while data shows the great promise of AI in the future provision of healthcare, human expertise is still crucial.

Key Takeaways

• Dermatologists have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) system that can detect signs of melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer, with 100 per cent accuracy.
• The AI system was able to identify all 59 cases of melanoma it was tested on and only missed one out of 190 cases of any skin cancer.
• This AI technology is not yet available for experts to use on patients, but it shows promise for wide-reaching applications in skin cancer detection and potentially other types as well.
• Despite the advancements, researchers stress that AI should not be used as a standalone tool in skin cancer detection and cannot replace doctors.

Early detection truly makes a difference. Thanks to modern technology, we may have a powerful new tool to stop this deadly disease sooner. But staying vigilant about sun protection and screenings remains essential!

What are your thoughts on this news, members? Let us know in the comments below!

 

[kerrikennel]

Wow!! That's amazing!! Think of all the lives it will save.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Wow!! That's amazing!! Think of all the lives it will save.

When it becomes available. That's the problem.

 

[MariaG]

Wish it would have been out years ago.
My hubby is in the middle of treatment for his melanoma. His was detected behind the knee of all places. I spotted it one day, said I don't like the look of that. Went in to get it checked, and, the rest is history.
It's a long process, but we are battling on one infusion and radiation at a time.

 

[kerrikennel]

When it becomes available. That's the problem.

Well, we are a step closer aren't we?

 

[Veggiepatch]

Well, we are a step closer aren't we?

Yes.

 

[PattiB]

Let’s hope that it’s available soon. My husband has never had a melanoma but basal cell carcinomas (BCC) have cost him dearly with the loss of his right eye earlier this year. People say that they’re nothing to worry about but Ted‘s were invasive & took a few surgeries to eliminate. It was only through regular skin checks by his surgeon that it was discovered, Ted was unaware that it was even there. Stay vigilant with skin checks!

 

[PattiB]

Wish it would have been out years ago.
My hubby is in the middle of treatment for his melanoma. His was detected behind the knee of all places. I spotted it one day, said I don't like the look of that. Went in to get it checked, and, the rest is history.
It's a long process, but we are battling on one infusion and radiation at a time.

It’s exhausting going through surgeries & radiation. Best of luck to your husband & yourself.

 

[Suzanne rose]

I read it then re- read it looking for where to download the app.

Ok when is it available

 

[magpie1]

It is heartening that after many many years of scientific research and much money invested as well that we are starting to see some positive signs towards cancer diagnosis and effective treatment of same....it has been a very long haul and hopefully there are many more breakthroughs to come for those suffering from this horrible medical affliction.

 

[marni]

Looking forward to it - at least for my children and rheir families - probably out too late for us

 

[Thedutchess]

Skin cancer can be deadly if not caught early. But thanks to modern technology, we may have a powerful new tool to stop this disease in its tracks.

Researchers in the UK have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) app that can detect signs of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, with an incredible 100 per cent accuracy.

It also correctly identified 99.5 per cent of all skin cancers, including dangerous melanomas and more common non-melanomas, and pre-cancerous growths on the skin nearly 93 per cent of the time.

The AI was also able to identify all 59 cases of melanoma it was tested on and only missed one out of 190 cases of any skin cancer.

This technology could truly save lives by spotting these stealthy cancers sooner. When found early, melanoma has a 5-year survival rate of 99 per cent. But tragically, over 57,000 people worldwide died from this disease in 2020 alone.

View attachment 32055

The software detected 59 out of 59 melanomas and 189 of 190 total cancers. Credit: Unsplash.

So, how does the app work? It uses a sophisticated algorithm trained on thousands of images of cancers. This teaches the AI system what the visual hallmarks of different skin cancers look like and the subtle signs that the naked eye can miss.

The key to diagnosing melanoma is paying attention to the ABCDEs:

• Asymmetry - Most melanomas present as asymmetrically shaped moles with uneven edges.
• Border irregularity - Irregular borders of a mole can also indicate melanoma. The edges of a normal mole are uniform and smooth.
• Colour variation - A suspicious mole often contains several shades of brown, black, or tan, as well as pink, red, or purple spots, and it becomes more colourful as the cancer progresses.
• Diameter - Melanomas typically appear slightly larger than a pea or a pencil eraser, measuring about six millimetres or a quarter of an inch in diameter.
• Evolution over time - Melanoma grows in two phases: horizontal and vertical.

Dr Kashini Andrew, who led the research, said the AI has learned so much from its training that it can sometimes outperform human doctors.

While dermatologists look for the ABCDEs, the AI uses an advanced pattern recognition system to analyse lesions.

According to Dr Andrew, 'This technology has the capacity to free up more time for patients that need urgent attention.'

Doctors hope that in the future, people can use the app at home to get an early assessment of any suspicious moles. This could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.

However, they cautioned that the app is not ready to replace dermatologists.

'We would like to stress that AI should not be used as a standalone tool in skin cancer detection,' noted Dr Irshad Zaki, who co-authored the study.

‘AI is not a substitute for Consultant Dermatologists.’

He went on to argue that while data shows the great promise of AI in the future provision of healthcare, human expertise is still crucial.

Key Takeaways

• Dermatologists have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) system that can detect signs of melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer, with 100 per cent accuracy.
• The AI system was able to identify all 59 cases of melanoma it was tested on and only missed one out of 190 cases of any skin cancer.
• This AI technology is not yet available for experts to use on patients, but it shows promise for wide-reaching applications in skin cancer detection and potentially other types as well.
• Despite the advancements, researchers stress that AI should not be used as a standalone tool in skin cancer detection and cannot replace doctors.

Early detection truly makes a difference. Thanks to modern technology, we may have a powerful new tool to stop this deadly disease sooner. But staying vigilant about sun protection and screenings remains essential!

What are your thoughts on this news, members? Let us know in the comments below!

It’s a sign of the times. I think it could have its place somewhere as long as you are checked out if you get a positive Report. Don’t dismiss a skin check either, on a yearly or bi yearly appointments. Your life is precious and not bulletproof.