SkinVision

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SkinVision

5th March 2019

App empowering people to monitor their skin for early signs of skin cancer.

“I believe that SkinVision is a lifesaver! This app enables people all over the world to take their skin seriously. That strengthens me in my work.”
Vera Heydendael MD, PhD, Certified Senior Dermatologist, The Netherlands

Summary:

SkinVision’s CE-marked app aims to drive early detection of skin cancer to make an impact on the skin cancer care pathway. The patient can take photos of their skin spots and will receive a risk indication within 30 seconds. The app provides recommendations on the next steps to take, including whether to visit a healthcare professional.

The latest peer reviewed study on the SkinVision algorithm determined a 95.1% sensitivity recognising skin cancer (melanoma, BCC, SCC and pre-malignant stages) with a specificity of 78.3%.[1]

More information on SkinVision’s scientific evidence is available on their website <https://www.skinvision.com/research/>

[1] Udrea et al, JEAVD https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31494983

Challenge/problem identified:

Incidence of skin cancer is increasing rapidly. In 2015 it was estimated that 159,000 people were diagnosed with some form of the disease, with 3,604 related deaths (Cancer Research UK).

Early detection is key, as skin cancer is easier and less expensive to treat, and its prognosis is more favourable when diagnosed early. But most patients don’t know what to look for, resulting in unnecessary consultations and further pressure on a system under strain from a shortage of dermatologists. This leads to both overtreatment and undertreatment, with unnecessary costs being tied up in the skin cancer pathway.

Impact:

1.2 million users globally, including 190,000 from the UK
Estimated to have already saved the NHS £2.5 million in 2018 by identifying 240 skin cancers including 63 melanomas
On a mission to save 250,000 lives globally in the next decade
1,500 skin checks performed per day

Download the SkinVision implementation toolkit

Fellow: Gavin Matthews