The last year has witnessed incredible advancements in the field of AI-assisted cancer detection as more and more medical professionals test, use, and incorporate AI companions into their daily work.
Skin cancer is not an exception, and we anticipate that in the future, AI diagnostic technologies will be extensively used in this therapeutic setting.
How does artificial intelligence help with skin cancer look?
In a 2024 study, Stanford Medicine researchers examined the accuracy of clinicians in identifying at least one skin cancer with and without deep learning-based artificial intelligence support.
In an experimental setting, the average sensitivity for physicians working without AI support was 74.8%, but the average sensitivity for clinicians with AI support was approximately 81.1%.
It's interesting to note that AI benefited medical professionals across the board, with non-dermatologists showing the biggest improvement.
AI for skin cancer can impact behaviour change
Younger folks are more likely to have cancer. A study that was published in BMJ Oncology claims that in the last three decades, the number of people under 50 who receive a cancer diagnosis has increased by almost 80% globally.
Furthermore, the incidence of melanoma skin cancer has risen by nearly two-fifths (38%) over the past ten years, with Spain witnessing a consistent 2.4% increase in incidence during this period.
Skin cancer has a very excellent prognosis and is easily treatable if it is discovered early enough. However, fewer people are being checked out due to hectic schedules and conflicting priorities, which causes delays in diagnosis and treatment and significantly alters survival rates.
Those that do frequently postpone seeing a physician. Indeed, only 9% of respondents to a recent Bupa study on attitudes toward digital healthcare said they would visit a professional right away to get a mole they were worried about looked at.
The same study did discover, however, that this number increased by more than three times (to 33%) if consumers could have a mole evaluated by an AI-powered phone app whenever it was convenient for them.
This suggests that new technologies can significantly influence healthcare-related behavior changes for the better and enhance the clinical result of potentially serious illnesses.
Bupa offers an at-home dermatology tool
At Bupa, a number of potential applications for artificial intelligence (AI) are introduced. They are constantly looking to improve patient care, boost productivity, and support our clients in leading longer, healthier, and happier lives.
They just launched Blua, their digital healthcare service that’s available in over 200 countries. Blua provides access to three lifechanging healthcare innovations that drive convenience and accessibility.
They are virtual consultations so that a customer can connect to a health professional from wherever they choose. Digital health programmes allow customers to proactively manage their health and remote healthcare services such as prescription delivery and at home monitoring equipment.
For customers in Spain, they offer an at-home dermatology assessment service through Blua. How does this work?
Customers who’re worried about a skin lesion can take high resolution photos of it using their smartphone. Once taken, the photos are uploaded to Blua and using AI are compared with a database of millions of other images of skin lesions to check for signs of malignancy.
The tool’s algorithms are able to discern between 302 different skin pathologies. If the tool suspects that there is a cause for concern it will let the customer know to book a follow up appointment with a doctor so that it can be looked at further and preventative action can be taken if needed.
AI's skin cancer boost means early detection
Digital healthcare, together with AI, is going to play a crucial role in removing the barriers that stop people from getting health concerns.
This is why tools such as Blua are useful in today’s fast-paced world where convenience is paramount and virtual consultations and at home tests will empower individuals to prioritise their health, without the need to sacrifice their time.
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