AI Skin Cancer Clinic Expands in Regional Australia to Improve Early Detection Access

Image Credit: Bermix Studio | Splash

A groundbreaking initiative using artificial intelligence to detect skin cancer, launched in January 2023 at the Tour Down Under in Victor Harbour, South Australia, is transforming access to early screening in regional areas. Known as Project Check Mate, the nurse-led pop-up clinic, a collaboration between Skin Check Champions, the University of South Australia (UniSA), and The Hospital Research Foundation Group, targets communities where skin cancer rates are up to 31% higher than in urban centers, addressing Australia’s significant skin cancer burden.

AI-Powered Skin Cancer Screening Initiative

Australia has the world’s highest per capita incidence of melanoma, the third most diagnosed cancer, affecting two out of three people in their lifetime, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Costing the health system A$400 million ($280 million USD) annually, skin cancer claims four lives daily. Regional residents face higher risks due to limited access to dermatologists, with fewer than 10% practicing outside capital cities. Launched on January 19-21, 2023, at Warland Reserve, the AI-powered clinic uses algorithms to analyze high-quality images of skin lesions captured by trained nurses. These are triaged for potential cancers, verified by local general practitioners (GPs), and referred to urban dermatologists if needed, offering a free service at community events like the Tour Down Under.

Progress and Screening Outcomes

In its initial three-day trial in Victor Harbour, Project Check Mate screened 189 individuals, capturing 366 images and identifying 55 suspicious lesions, including 12 potential melanomas, eight basal cell carcinomas, and 16 squamous cell carcinomas. The initiative expanded to Barmera (March 31-April 1, 2023) and Coober Pedy (June 16-18, 2023), aiming to increase skin checks by 25% and halve melanoma deaths, as stated by Skin Check Champions CEO Scott Maggs. The AI, supported by clinical oversight, has shown performance comparable to dermatologists in some experiments, though further trials are needed to validate its accuracy.

Benefits of AI-Assisted Screening

The clinic’s AI-driven approach enables rapid lesion analysis, reducing the need for immediate dermatologist referrals and easing pressure on urban specialists. By integrating with community events, it reaches underserved populations, promoting early detection—crucial, as 98% of skin cancers are treatable if caught early, per UniSA’s Professor Marion Eckert. The free service addresses socioeconomic barriers, enhancing equity in healthcare access for regional Australians.

Considerations for AI-Driven Skin Cancer Screening

Despite its potential, the AI requires rigorous clinical trials to ensure reliability, as false positives or negatives could affect trust, according to a 2024 ScienceDirect study. The pop-up model’s reliance on event-based scheduling may limit consistent access, and referrals to city-based dermatologists pose logistical challenges for remote patients. Underfunding remains a hurdle, with Eckert noting that skin cancer prevention programs lack resources, hindering scalability.

AI’s Role in Future Dermatology

Project Check Mate aligns with global advancements in AI dermatology, such as the University of Queensland’s PanDerm, which analyzes multiple imaging types, and Skin Analytics’ DERM, approved for NHS use. Australia’s lack of a national skin cancer screening program, due to cost concerns, underscores the need for scalable solutions like AI. Skin Check Champions plans to expand to more remote areas, potentially integrating smartphone-based apps like Miiskin. Sustained funding and regulatory support will be critical to realizing a national AI-supported screening program.

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Source: University of South Australia, Skin Check Champions, Retail Pharmacy Magazine, Hospital Research

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