UQ-led project to test technology-driven solutions for rural skin cancer screening
Summary
A University of Queensland-led project will test a combination of technologies to improve the early detection of potentially fatal skin cancers in patients in regional and rural Australia.Professor Monika Janda from UQs Centre for Health Services Research said the aim is to inform work towards a national, targeted melanoma screening program for Australia.Rates of skin cancer are higher in regional areas, however fewer than 10 per cent of dermatologists practice outside capital cities. We want to ensure equitable access to skin imaging services for regional Australians and reduce the time between detection and treatment, ultimately saving lives. "Our study will look at how 3D total body photography, combined with artificial intelligence to support clinicians, can help improve and speed up skin cancer imaging," Professor Janda said. "All 9 regional hubs will use new technologies to test AI in healthcare and minimally invasive biopsy methods," Professor Janda said. "Delivering services in rural areas is complex, but technology can help us to tackle the obstacles of distance and a shortage of medical specialists.