Skin cancer is a major concern for Australians, with our sun-soaked climate making us one of the world’s hotspots for melanoma and other skin conditions.
But what if your next skin check could be powered by artificial intelligence, giving your doctor a high-tech edge in catching problems early?
Thanks to a groundbreaking new tool developed by Monash University and an international team of researchers, that future is closer than you might think.
Meet PanDerm: The AI assistant for your skin
Dubbed ‘PanDerm’, this innovative artificial intelligence (AI) model is making waves in the medical world.
Unlike previous AI tools that could only analyse one type of image—like those close-up, magnified shots from a dermoscope—PanDerm can process a whole range of images.
We’re talking about everything from simple smartphone snaps and total body photographs to detailed pathology slides. It’s like having a supercharged second opinion right at your doctor’s fingertips.
Why is this such a big deal? Well, skin cancer and other skin diseases can look very different depending on the type of image and the stage of the condition.
By combining information from multiple sources, PanDerm helps doctors see the full picture—literally.
How does PanDerm work?
PanDerm was trained on a whopping two million skin images, collected from 11 institutions across several countries.
This means it’s seen just about every type of skin, lesion and mole you can imagine. The AI doesn’t just look for cancer, either. It can help with a whole range of tasks, including:
- Screening for skin cancer and other conditions
- Predicting the risk of cancer returning or spreading
- Assessing skin type and counting moles
- Tracking changes in lesions over time
- Diagnosing a wide variety of skin diseases
- Segmenting (outlining) lesions for closer analysis
And here’s the kicker: in clinical trials, PanDerm improved doctors’ accuracy in diagnosing skin cancer by 11 per cent.
For non-specialist healthcare workers—think GPs and nurses—the improvement was even more dramatic, with a 16.5 per cent boost in correctly identifying skin conditions.
A helping hand for doctors everywhere
One of the most exciting things about PanDerm is its potential to level the playing field between city hospitals and rural clinics.
In Australia, access to dermatologists can be patchy, especially outside the big cities.
PanDerm’s ability to work with different types of images and limited labelled data means it could be a game-changer for regional and remote communities, where resources are often stretched.
Professor Victoria Mar, Director of the Alfred Health Victorian Melanoma Service, points out that PanDerm could help doctors spot subtle changes in skin lesions that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Early detection is crucial—catching melanoma before it spreads can make all the difference.
A global effort for a global problem
Skin conditions affect a staggering 70 per cent of the world’s population at some point in their lives.
That’s why the PanDerm project brought together experts from Australia, Europe and Asia, including the University of Queensland, Medical University of Vienna and even the NVIDIA AI Technology Centre in Singapore.
By pooling data and expertise from around the globe, the team has created an AI tool that’s not just technically impressive but also practical and relevant in real-world clinics.
What’s next for PanDerm?
While the results so far are promising, PanDerm is still in the evaluation phase.
The research team is working on even more rigorous testing, making sure the AI performs well across different skin types, ages and healthcare settings.
They’re also developing standard protocols to ensure the tool is fair and effective for everyone, no matter where they live or what their background is.
If all goes well, you might soon see PanDerm—or tools like it—supporting your local GP or skin specialist.
Imagine a future where every Australian—no matter their postcode—has access to world-class skin cancer screening.
What does this mean for you?
For our YourLifeChoices members, this is fantastic news.
As we get older, our risk of skin cancer increases, and regular skin checks become even more important.
With AI-powered tools like PanDerm, your doctor could have an extra set of (digital) eyes, helping to catch problems earlier and more accurately.
Of course, no technology can replace the expertise of a trained doctor, but AI can be a powerful partner—especially in busy clinics or areas where specialists are hard to find.
Have your say!
As researchers continue to explore the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare, tools like PanDerm may offer new possibilities in early detection and clinical decision-making.
While further evaluation is still underway, the initial findings highlight how technology could support doctors in providing timely and informed care for patients with skin conditions.
What are your thoughts on the use of AI in dermatology? Do you see potential benefits or areas of concern when it comes to relying on technology for diagnosis? Have you or someone you know experienced challenges in accessing dermatological care, particularly in regional or rural areas? We welcome your perspectives—feel free to share your views in the comments below.
Also read: Don’t ignore that little spot: Top skin expert reveals cancer clue
