More than 650,000 people in England were referred to the NHS’s urgent suspected skin cancer pathway last year, highlighting growing pressure on dermatology services. Experts warn that early detection is crucial to preventing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, from spreading.

As melanoma cases reach record highs across the UK, artificial intelligence tools are being trialled to streamline diagnoses and reduce waiting times.

Rising incidence and public concern

• Cancer Research UK reports melanoma incidence has risen by almost a third over the past decade, with around 17,600 new cases diagnosed annually between 2017 and 2019.
• Projections for 2024 indicate approximately 20,800 new cases.
• Rates among those over 80 have surged by 57%, while adults aged 25–49 have seen a 7% increase.
• 86% of melanoma cases in the UK are preventable through sun protection and other measures.

Recent searches for “melanoma mole” have risen by 147% in the past month, reflecting heightened public concern. The NHS faces a backlog, with over 100,000 patients waiting more than 28 days for a diagnosis in 2024.

Expert insights on early detection

Dr Conal Perrett, leading consultant dermatologist at The Devonshire Clinic, said: “Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, responsible for over 2,000 deaths a year in the UK. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent it from spreading to other organs. By embracing technology, waiting times could be massively reduced, allowing patients to access treatments faster. However, it is essential people understand that skin cancer is preventable by being skin conscious all year round. The skin, being the largest organ of the body, can become more susceptible to conditions and cancer.”

AI tool DERM helps prioritise cases

The AI tool DERM, developed by Skin Analytics, analyses mole images to triage patients and help clinicians focus on urgent cases.

• Achieved 99.9% accuracy in ruling out melanoma.
• Deployed in over 20 NHS trusts since 2020, assessing more than 81,000 patients and identifying over 8,500 cancers.
• Conditionally approved by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for three years, potentially halving unnecessary referrals while maintaining safety.
• High-resolution images are uploaded by healthcare professionals, and DERM classifies lesions as benign, pre-cancerous, or cancerous to help dermatologists prioritise high-risk cases.

Dr Perrett adds: “Ultimately, early detection is our most powerful tool against melanoma. Whether through AI-driven image analysis, smart wearable sensors, or a simple routine skin check, recognising changes in moles or new lesions early can make all the difference in achieving successful treatment. Most skin changes are harmless, but when caught early, melanoma is highly treatable, so trust your instincts and get checked.”

Progress and challenges

• Early diagnosis improvements have doubled melanoma survival rates over the past 50 years.
• More than nine in 10 people in England now survive at least 10 years after diagnosis.
• Challenges persist for those with darker skin tones, as melanoma may appear on palms, soles, or under nails.
• NHS 28-day faster diagnosis standard aims to reduce delays, but only 75% of patients currently meet this target for skin cancer.

Preventive measures

Cancer Research UK advises

• Spending time in the shade between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Covering up with clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
• Applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30 generously.

Even one severe sunburn can triple the risk of melanoma. Treatment costs exceed £500 million annually for the NHS, making proactive prevention vital.

8 signs your mole could be a concern

Dr Perrett recommends checking for the following

1. Growth or evolution: Rapidly increasing size over a few weeks.
2. Colour changes: Uneven or multiple colours including brown, black, red, white, or blue.
3. Shape alterations: Irregular or asymmetrical moles.
4. Large moles: Diameter over 7mm.
5. Bleeding or oozing: Any mole that bleeds, becomes sore, or weeps fluid.
6. Itching or pain: Persistent discomfort may indicate change.
7. The ‘odd one out’: A mole that looks different from others.
8. New or unusual marks on darker skin: Melanoma may appear on palms, soles, or under nails.

Conclusion

As AI tools like DERM integrate into NHS pathways, they promise to ease the burden on overstretched services. However, experts stress that personal vigilance remains essential in addressing the rise of melanoma.