GPs Harness AI Technology to Detect Skin Cancer Early

A group of GPs in Jersey has begun using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to help detect skin cancer more quickly and efficiently.

Skin Analytics, the software company behind the technology, confirmed that First Medical has become the first GP practice in Jersey to adopt its DERM app. The app allows doctors to review images of moles and lesions when there is concern about skin cancer.

The AI system has been trained on thousands of images of common cancers, pre-cancerous conditions, and benign skin lesions. Its goal is to support faster and safer clinical decisions, while reducing unnecessary specialist referrals.

Dr Brendan Loane, GP partner at First Medical, which operates practices in St Helier, St Peter, and St Clement, said the technology would benefit both patients and clinicians.

He said: “We’re proud to be the first GP practice in Jersey to introduce this innovative tool to our patients. It means that those with skin lesions can get reassurance as early as possible, and doctors can identify and treat potentially serious cases sooner.”

Skin Analytics highlighted that, as of September, over 125 dermatology patients in Jersey were on urgent medical pathways, facing a median wait of seven weeks for a first appointment. Another 526 patients were waiting for routine care, with half waiting 16 weeks or more.

The firm hopes the AI app will help reduce delays by safely identifying and discharging up to half of cases that do not require urgent specialist attention.

Since its launch in NHS England in 2020, the DERM app has assessed over 220,000 patients and detected more than 18,000 skin cancers, according to Skin Analytics.