Scots mum diagnosed with cancer believes new smartphone app for melanoma patients could save lives

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

A mum diagnosed with skin cancer a month before her 40th birthday says a new smartphone app developed by Scots scientists is a lifesaver.

The built-in AI chatbot will allow people previously treated for melanoma to upload images and information about skin changes so concerns can be dealt with by healthcare professionals quickly.

Adele Hughes has been cancer free for three years but still needs scans and check-ups every six months.

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The primary school teacher from Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, 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.”

Scientists at the University of Aberdeen previously trialled a tablet app called ASICA with a group of patients who had been successfully treated for melanoma.

Around 120 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.

Despite leading to quicker resolution of concerns, some users struggled to keep up monthly skin checks and provide high-quality text and images for the specialists to review.

But a £421,000 grant from Cancer Research UK will go towards developing an enhanced smartphone version of the ASICA app with an integrated AI chatbot.

It will be developed and tested with up to 50 melanoma survivors and around 20 healthcare professionals.

Professor Peter Murchie at the University of Aberdeen, said: “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.”

Dr Catherine Elliott at Cancer Research UK, said: “We are delighted to support this innovative research which aims to use emerging technologies to ensure the best possible future for those who have already experienced the devastating impact of a cancer diagnosis.”

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