Quicker and Smarter Skin Cancer Detection with AI at Hospitals in South Cumbria and North Lancashire

Residents of South Cumbria and North Lancashire who are concerned about potential skin cancer can now receive expedited diagnosis, thanks to a recent initiative at the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Trust (UHMBT). This initiative, facilitated by a partnership with medicalSkin Analytics, integrates artificial intelligence (AI) with teledermoscopy, resulting in faster diagnosis and treatment for skin cancer patients.

This advanced technology is anticipated to reduce the duration from patient referral to diagnosis, and if necessary, commencement of treatment. The funding for this groundbreaking programme was made possible through the Lancashire and South Cumbria Cancer Alliance.

As a component of this programme, a healthcare assistant will capture high-quality images of any suspected skin cancer using teledermoscopy. Subsequently, these images will be evaluated by the AI technology, DERM, which assists medical professionals in determining the necessity of a face-to-face clinic examination.

Dr. Robert Burd, a consultant dermatologist and the lead for dermatology at UHMBT, expounded, “Given the escalating incidence of skin cancer cases at UHMBT, it is imperative for us to explore digital solutions to expedite the diagnosis of skin cancer and manage our dermatology resources effectively. Ultimately, our objective is to diminish patient waiting times and ensure timely interventions. Every individual, regardless of suspicion of cancer, warrants prompt and efficient care.”

The implementation of these technologies will enable clinicians to assess a greater number of suspected cases in a shorter time frame, leading to accelerated treatment for patients and reduced unnecessary hospital visits. Neil Daly, the CEO of Skin Analytics, conveyed, “Our aim has always been to have a tangible impact on people’s lives. DERM is more than just technology for us – it is a tool that streamlines the identification of serious cases, ensuring that patients with malignant lesions receive priority care and a face-to-face consultation with a dermatologist.”

Patients who have been referred to either the Royal Lancaster Infirmary or Furness General Hospital for suspected skin cancer will have access to this new diagnostic pathway. The DERM technology has already exhibited success in 13 NHS trusts, assisting over 67,000 NHS patients and identifying more than 5,300 cancer cases.

This advanced system represents a significant development for the residents of South Cumbria and North Lancashire, as it enables faster and more precise diagnosis of skin cancer, ultimately leading to more efficient and effective treatment.

In summary, the integration of AI technology for skin cancer diagnosis represents a notable advancement in the healthcare realm. This new initiative not only expedites the diagnostic process, but also guarantees that patients receive the essential care in a timely manner. As technology continues to progress, its capacity to enhance the medical field becomes increasingly evident, benefitting patients and medical professionals alike.