Untested skin cancer apps endangering the public, say researchers

A lack of testing of skin cancer-detection apps is risking public safety, according to University of Birmingham researchers.

While they found that some apps have a comparatively high success rate for the diagnosis of skin cancer – such as those that use tele-dermatology, where an image is sent directly to a dermatologist – the researchers also identified three major failings with other types.

In particular, a lack of specialist input from dermatologists mean the apps may not recognise rarer or unusual cancers, said the team.

They also expressed concern over poor colour and pattern recognition, whereby some apps are unable to recognise scaly, crusted, ulcerated areas or melanomas which don’t produce pigment, known as amelanotic melanomas. The worry is that these shortcomings could increase the number of false negatives and delay treatment.