From sceptic to strong supporter: Why I believe everyone should have access to AI skin cancer assessments
As someone with very fair skin and a classic “English rose” complexion, I’m cautious about my skin health but this hasn’t always been the case…
Growing up in the 1970s, sun protection wasn’t emphasised like it is today. During my childhood summers, my family used to venture to the Isles of Scilly in Cornwall, where the clear ozone layer meant you could step off the boat and burn almost instantly. With no sun protection and blistered skin, my two sisters and I would compete to see who could peel the largest piece of skin off(!) – a memory that makes me cringe now, knowing what I do about sun damage.
Fast forward to today, as an active person who swims regularly, I’m attentive to changes in my body. So when I noticed something unusual on my leg, I initially visited a foot specialist who diagnosed it as a verruca. I left, confident that it was in fact a verruca. However, later down the line it began to change. I grew concerned and went to my GP practice, where they referred me to an NHS AI skin cancer detection service.
The appointment
I have to admit, at first I was sceptical. My concern for the lesion on my leg was growing and I really wanted to see a doctor in person.
When I went to the imaging appointment, I felt disappointed as the room didn’t feel overly clinical and – as far as I could see – there was someone holding a phone waiting to take a photo of my lesion.
I grilled the image taker and to my surprise, they answered my questions superbly. I was fully informed on what was happening, I was able to provide my details easily and it was clear why the NHS is using AI for skin cancer detection – to reduce patient wait times and reserve clinical time for patients in greatest need. I can honestly say they put me at ease and my guard started to fall.
Following the image capture, I was told I would receive a call that same day. The process seemed simple, just a few photos taken with a phone. I left thinking, “Well, that was quick, but will it be effective and same day results, that’s unheard of?”
The results
To my surprise, by 7pm that same day, I received a phone call informing me that the AI analysis had identified skin cancer and recommended immediate removal. I was stunned by both the diagnosis and the speed at which it was delivered.
This was in December, I had Christmas plans and a long-haul holiday booked. I took the decision to go ahead with my holiday and have the lesion removed on my return.
Had Christmas and my vacation not interfered, they would have removed the lesion by the end of that same week. The urgency and efficiency were unlike anything I’d experienced in healthcare before.
My changed perspective
This experience completely transformed my view of AI in healthcare. The NHS is brilliant, but the fact that AI could make an accurate decision more quickly than a doctor was eye-opening. There was no “fluff and froth” as I call it, just clear, actionable information and crucially, finding and removing my skin cancer quickly.
The efficiency wasn’t just beneficial for me; I could see the benefits for GPs and specialists to focus their time on patients who need their specific expertise. Since my first experience, I’ve returned twice to use the service, and each time reinforces my confidence in this approach.
Accessibility and peace of mind
One of the most valuable aspects of this service is how it removes the guilt of “wasting a GP appointment” for what might be nothing. Previously, I might have hesitated and therefore waited to seek medical attention for a “simple skin tag,” potentially delaying diagnosis of something more serious. Now, I can get checked promptly when I’m concerned.
Following this experience and my skin cancer diagnosis, I’m much more aware of my skin health. I can whole-heartedly say I would prefer having my skin assessed by AI than waiting weeks for an in-person dermatologist appointment. In fact, I recommended the service to a friend who was initially apprehensive too. The AI detected skin cancer on her face, and now she’s as enthusiastic about the technology as I am.
Looking forward
It’s a brave new world we’re living in and we’ve got to wake up to the fact that it’s not how it was before, but that’s okay – in fact it’s more than okay. When you experience the accuracy, efficiency and speed, it can save lives.
As such, if my lesion had been benign, I would feel comfortable being discharged autonomously by this AI system. I believe there’s less chance of error than with human assessment.
I will always champion the NHS and bang the drum for innovations that help relieve its burden. This technology should be accessible to everyone with skin cancer concerns and I’m grateful for the care I’ve been provided by the NHS and Skin Analytics.