AI-Assisted Cancer Diagnosis: The Future of Healthcare
The Power of AI in Skin Cancer Diagnosis
In the past year, we’ve seen remarkable achievements across AI-assisted cancer diagnosis as more and more clinicians test, use and integrate AI companions into daily practice. Skin cancer is no exception, and we expect AI diagnostic tools to be widely implemented across this clinical arena in the future. A 2024 study led by researchers at Stanford Medicine compared the performance of clinicians diagnosing at least one skin cancer with and without deep learning-based AI assistance. In an experimental environment, clinicians without AI assistance achieved an average sensitivity of 74.8% while for AI-assisted clinicians, sensitivity was around 81.1%.
AI for Skin Cancer Can Impact Behaviour Change
Cancer is on the rise among younger people. According to a study published in BMJ Oncology, the number of under-50s worldwide being diagnosed with cancer has risen by nearly 80% in three decades. And, over the last decade melanoma skin cancer incidence rates have increased by almost two-fifths (38%) with Spain seeing a steady incidence increase of 2.4% during this time.
If detected early enough, skin cancer is easily treated and prognosis is very good. But busy lives and competing concerns mean fewer people are getting checked out, resulting in delays to diagnosis and treatment, which is dramatically changing the survival rates. Those who do, often wait to speak to a doctor. In fact, new research from Bupa, Attitudes Towards Digital Healthcare, indicates only 9% of people would immediately go to get a mole they were concerned about examined by a professional.
Bupa’s At-Home Dermatology Tool
At Bupa, we see lots of opportunities to use AI and are exploring its use to enhance patient care, improve operational efficiency, and help our customers to live longer, healthier and happier lives. We know that people want their healthcare partner to be by their side, not just when they are sick, but supporting them constantly to keep them well.
The Future of Healthcare
Digital healthcare, together with AI, is going to play a crucial role in removing the barriers that stop people from getting health concerns like moles checked out in a timely manner, promoting positive behaviour change that can save lives. This is why Blua is especially 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.
Conclusion
In conclusion, AI-assisted cancer diagnosis, particularly in skin cancer, has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes by providing more accurate diagnoses and promoting early detection. At Bupa, we are committed to using AI to enhance patient care and improve operational efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does Bupa’s at-home dermatology tool work?
A: The tool uses AI to analyze high-resolution photos of skin lesions taken by the customer using their smartphone. The AI algorithms compare the images with a database of millions of other images of skin lesions to check for signs of malignancy.
Q: What are the benefits of using AI in skin cancer diagnosis?
A: AI-assisted diagnosis can improve accuracy, reduce the need for unnecessary biopsies, and provide faster diagnoses, leading to better patient outcomes.
Q: How does Bupa’s Blua service work?
A: Blua is a digital healthcare service that provides access to virtual consultations, digital health programs, and remote healthcare services, including at-home dermatology assessments.
