New AI Skin Cancer Tool Approved for NHS Use Amid Rising Sunburn Warnings

The development comes as health experts raise alarms about dangerous sunburn habits ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend, warning of the long-term risks posed by neglecting sun protection.

Adults with suspected skin cancer may now be assessed using an AI tool after it received conditional approval for NHS use, health officials have announced.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has approved the AI technology, named DERM (Deep Ensemble for Recognition of Malignancy), for the next three years as part of an effort to reduce pressure on dermatology services and speed up patient care.

The development comes as health experts raise alarms about dangerous sunburn habits ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend, warning of the long-term risks posed by neglecting sun protection.

AI-Driven Diagnosis to Cut Waiting Times

Developed by healthtech firm Skin Analytics, DERM analyzes images of moles or skin lesions taken with a smartphone equipped with a dermoscopic lens.

The images are uploaded to an online platform, where AI algorithms assess the likelihood of malignancy.

Early data suggests the tool could “approximately halve the number of referrals to dermatologists within the urgent skin cancer pathway,” according to Nice.

If flagged as potentially cancerous, a specialist dermatologist reviews the case and determines the next steps for the patient. Those with benign results are either reassured or placed on a routine care pathway.

Dr Anastasia Chalkidou, healthtech programme director at Nice, said, "DERM has shown promising results in its ability to accurately distinguish between cancerous and non-cancerous skin lesions, with evidence suggesting it could halve the number of referrals to dermatologists within the urgent skin cancer pathway while maintaining patient safety."

Neil Daly, chief executive of Skin Analytics, said, "We’re incredibly proud of the work we’ve been doing with the NHS over the last five years to achieve this recommendation from Nice. Having seen more than 165,000 patients and found more than 15,500 cancers since launching, we are ready to make our Class III autonomous skin cancer AI available to more UK patients."

The British Association of Dermatologists, however, urged caution. "Until further evidence is generated, the British Association of Dermatologists recommends that all patients should have some input from a dermatologist. Implementation of AI must be underpinned by patient safety, with a clear understanding of the benefits and limitations."

Rising Sunburn Rates Spark Health Concerns

Alongside the AI tool’s approval, the charity Melanoma Focus issued fresh warnings about sunburn risks as warmer weather returns.

Susanna Daniels, chief executive of Melanoma Focus, said, "It is essential that everyone understands the risks associated with sunburn and prioritises sun protection by using factor 30+ sunscreen, wearing a hat, seeking shade and covering up in the heat of the day."

A new poll of 2,000 UK adults found that nearly half (49%) get sunburned at least once a year, with higher rates among younger people. Alarmingly, 19% of respondents admitted they “rarely” wear sunscreen in the UK between May and September, while 8% said they “never” do.

"This data is extremely concerning as we know that more than five sunburns in your lifetime doubles your risk of melanoma, so burning every year has potentially long-term dangerous consequences," Daniels added.

"Nearly nine in 10 melanomas are preventable, yet the UK has more deaths from melanoma per year than Australia."

Cost was cited by 8% of respondents as a barrier to sun cream use, with others blaming forgetfulness or a belief that UK weather rarely warrants it.

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