Singapore: An app embedded with skin identification system using image recognition software is on a trial by general practitioners, physicians and dermatologists in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia for detecting skin cancer.

The app, developed by US based Lūbax, is designed to provide a simple, inexpensive software system to support health professionals in the identification of all types of skin lesions. The first clinical studies of the app carried out in collaboration with Harvard, Stanford, Oxford, and the University of São Paulo showed sensitivity and specificity in detecting large melanomas in patients.

"The LÅ«bax app could provide a major contribution in improving melanoma detection with its innovative technology. As a primary care researcher I am keen to study its usefulness among generalists in different countries and with different thresholds for referral for specialist care," said Dr Fiona Walter, a general practitioner and clinician scientist, department of Public Health and Primary Care at the University of Cambridge.

"Mobile health apps and the power of the internet have the potential to change the trajectory of premature deaths from cancer worldwide. We encourage all technology entrepreneurs to apply their skills and knowledge to global health issues, including cancer, to help us drive equitable access to information, awareness and early detection," urges Cary Adams, chief executive officer, Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). "Together with health experts we can create a pipeline of technology-driven solutions which will help all of us access these key levers to address cancer globally. We will let down future generations if we do not press forward exploring and testing new and exciting technology advances as they emerge."