Early skin cancer detection could be the difference between a simple mole removal or metastatic melanoma (skin cancer that’s spread). The good news is that technology is making it easier to detect skin cancer early. A wave of skin check apps claim to track changes in the skin and identify high-risk moles. But is it really that simple? Here’s what you need to know about using your smartphone to detect skin cancer.
Yes. In fact, there are five that come to mind. Let’s take a look at them.
Through its in-app camera, SkinVision claims to detect signs of most common skin cancers with up to 95% sensitivity (refers to the app’s ability to detect suspicious moles or lesions). It uses an AI algorithm to provide advice on whether you need to have a mole checked out.
Features include:
The Miiskin app uses mole mapping. This helps you to visually keep track of any changes to your skin. The app allows you to take magnified images of individual moles and wider areas of skin. The photos are stored separately from your phone’s gallery, making it easier to compare moles side-by-side (no need to scroll through a million holiday pics!).
Features include:
Developed by the University of Michigan, UMSkinCheck helps you to perform self-skin exams. This free skin check app reminds you when your self-skin check is due, takes you step-by-step through the exam and tells you what to look for. A library of videos and articles keep you up to date on skin cancer facts and prevention.
Features include:
Designed by Oregon Health & Science University, the MoleMapper app can photograph “zones” on the body. By clicking on a zone, you can measure the size of your moles. You can compare these measurements and images over time.
Features include:
MoleScope combines a skin check app with a clip-on camera. The lens takes high-quality, magnified images of your moles. It can be used to take photos of a single mole or small area. Using the mobile app, images can be securely shared with your doctor or dermatologist.
Features include:
Skin check apps use either the phone’s built-in camera or a clip-on lens to photograph the skin. AI technology assists you to analyse your skin and spot suspicious moles and lesions. Some apps have the function to take full body images and map your moles. Most, if not all, allow you to store your images. Some offer measurement tools. This helps you to compare images over time. The apps also provide information on what to look for during your skin check. Reminder alerts raise awareness of skin cancer and prompt you to regularly self-check your skin.
The important thing to note is that, currently, the skin cancer check apps available do not provide a skin cancer diagnosis.
A 2020 study, published in the British Medical Journal, examined nine reviews looking at the accuracy of skin check apps. The authors found that current ‘apps cannot be relied on to detect all cases of melanoma or other skin cancers.’ This is because studies into the accuracy of skin check apps show ‘variable and unreliable’ results.
The earlier skin cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat. Getting to know your skin is a good place to start. This will help you to spot changes in your skin. Of course, the challenge is knowing what changes to look for.
At-home skin check guides tend to rely on the ABCDEFG rule and SCAN method. Yet, these tools aren’t flawless. Check them out below.
Asymmetry — If the lesion or spot is divided in half; the two halves don’t look alike.
Border — A spot with an irregular or spreading edge.
Colour — A spot that has various colours through it.
Diameter — A spot that grows and changes in size or diameter.
Elevation — A raised mole or skin spot.
Firmness — A spot or mole that feels firm and solid and when pressed, doesn’t flatten.
Growth — A mole or spot that’s growing.
Traditionally, this has been the best-known method to check for melanoma, but may not be as useful for non-melanoma skin cancers.
Sore — A spot which is sore (scaly, itchy, bleeding, tender) and doesn’t heal within 6 weeks.
Changing — Changes in size, shape, colour or texture.
Abnormal — Looks different to surrounding moles.
New — Has appeared on your skin recently.
Not only is this method easier to remember, but it’s also better at picking up non-melanomas. This includes basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
While skin check apps can be a handy tool for tracking your moles over time, they don’t diagnose skin cancer. As such, skin check apps should not be used as a replacement for a professional skin cancer check.
The most effective way to check your skin for suspicious moles or lesions is to book a professional skin check. Getting a professional skin check by a melanographer or skin specialist ensures a thorough, head to toe skin check. If a suspicious mole or lesion is spotted they will use their professional experience and expert training to assess the risk for skin cancer. Although the technology behind skin check apps is promising, currently an app cannot provide an accurate diagnosis.
At MoleMap, our SkinCheck is a thorough point-in-time skin assessment. It’s ideal if you’ve spotted a new or changing mole and want it quickly checked out. For people at medium to high risk of skin cancer, we recommend a Full Body MoleMap. This is our most comprehensive skin check. It includes a thorough skin check, total body photographing and mole mapping. It’s an ideal way to track, compare and monitor your skin over time.
