The University of Aberdeen is making strides in cancer care with the development of a new app designed to assist individuals who have previously battled melanoma. This innovative tool aims to empower users to monitor their skin regularly, alleviating anxiety while enabling early detection of any potential recurrence of the disease.
AI Chatbot at the Core
At the heart of this initiative is a sophisticated AI chatbot that allows users to upload images and report any concerning skin changes. This feature ensures that healthcare professionals can triage these concerns swiftly, facilitating prompt medical attention when necessary.
Building on the success of a previous trial involving a tablet app named Asica, the University is now set to enhance this platform with a generous £421,000 funding boost from Cancer Research UK. The upgraded app will encourage users to conduct monthly skin checks, a crucial step considering that approximately 17,500 individuals are diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in the UK each year.
Personal Stories and Support
Adele Hughes, a primary school teacher from Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, who was diagnosed with melanoma just before her 40th birthday, expressed her support for the project. Having undergone six surgeries and 18 cycles of immunotherapy, she has been cancer-free for three years. However, the shadow of recurrence remains, necessitating regular surveillance scans and check-ups every six months.
Hughes stated, “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. Its proactive approach could significantly enhance the well-being of those affected by this condition.”
Collaborative Effort
The development process will involve collaboration with up to 50 melanoma survivors and approximately 20 healthcare professionals. The research team is actively seeking participants from the region who have been treated for melanoma in the last five years, as well as healthcare professionals interested in contributing to this vital project. Interested parties can reach out via asica@abdn.ac.uk for more information.
Professor Peter Murchie, who leads the academic primary care research group at the University of Aberdeen, emphasized the importance of early detection. “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.”
Emerging Technologies and Future Prospects
He further noted that while AI technology will not replace the invaluable role of human healthcare professionals in diagnosing cancer, it can serve as a supportive tool, providing reassurance and guiding patients to the appropriate medical care when needed.
Dr. Catherine Elliott, director of research at Cancer Research UK, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “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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