The University of Aberdeen’s scientists are developing an AI-enabled smartphone app to help skin cancer patients thanks to nearly half a million (£421,000) in funding from Cancer Research UK.

The forthcoming phone app will aim to help people previously treated for melanoma examine their skin regularly to reduce anxiety and help catch recurrence of the disease.

A built-in AI chatbot will assist users with uploading high-quality images and information about potentially worrying skin changes, so concerns can be quickly triaged and dealt with by human healthcare professionals.

A tablet version of the app, called ASICA, has already been trialled with a group of patients who had previously been successfully treated for melanoma.

Around 120 melanoma survivors used the app for a year to regularly check their skin, and then send photos and text about any areas of concern to a specialist doctor for review.

The university said that the app was found to be effective, leading to quicker resolution of concerns and reducing anxiety for users.

However, some users struggled to maintain monthly skin checks and provide high-quality text and images for the specialists to review.

The new funding from Cancer Research UK will go towards the development of the enhanced smartphone version of the ASICA app, featuring an integrated AI chat bot.

Professor Peter Murchie, the chair in primary care and lead of the academic primary care research group at the University of Aberdeen, explained: “Melanoma can return, and we know the quicker recurrence is diagnosed, the more likely treatment is to be successful.

“If melanoma survivors check their total skin once per month, they are more likely to spot recurrence or if a new melanoma has appeared. They can then get medical attention at the earliest stage.

“We believe this technology will not only be reassuring for patients, help them receive any treatment they need quickly but will also be more efficient, resulting in fewer NHS appointments, lower costs and less travel for patients.

“AI will never replace the need for human healthcare professionals in diagnosing cancer but can be of great support and reassurance for patients and in directing them to healthcare professionals when needed.”

Recommended reading

• New Builds in Scotland Could Come with Gigabit-capable Broadband
• Rural Scotland Beset by the Slowest Broadband Speeds in the UK
• Gigabit Broadband on Track for 97% UK Coverage by 2027

Primary teacher Adele Hughes, from Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, has welcomed the project.

The mum of two was diagnosed with melanoma just a month before her 40th birthday.

After six surgeries and 18 cycles of immunotherapy, Adele has now been cancer free for three years.

But she lives with the awareness that the cancer could return, and has regular surveillance scans and check-ups every six months at Aberdeen’s Albyn Hospital.

Hughes said: “This project represents a fantastic initiative for individuals like myself who have experienced melanoma and continually navigate the possibility of its recurrence.

“This app not only aims to relieve anxiety by providing access to professional healthcare support when necessary, but it also holds the potential to save numerous lives.

“Its proactive approach could significantly enhance the well-being of those affected by this condition.”