Skin Cancer Early Detection: Why Prevention Saves Lives

Each year, over 1.5 million new skin cancer cases are diagnosed worldwide. In Germany alone, around 290,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer annually — about 23,000 with the particularly dangerous malignant melanoma. The incidence has nearly doubled in the last 30 years. The good news: when detected early, the chances of recovery are excellent.

Survival rates for skin cancer depend critically on the time of diagnosis. At Stage I, the 5-year survival rate is over 95%. At Stage IV, it drops to below 20%. The difference between both stages? Often just a few months. Regular self-examinations and professional screenings can make the difference — between a small outpatient procedure and a life-threatening disease.

Artificial intelligence has revolutionized dermatological diagnostics in recent years. Studies show that trained AI models can evaluate skin lesions with an accuracy comparable to experienced dermatologists. DermCheck uses an ensemble of multiple specialized AI models that work in parallel and complement each other. The result: a comprehensive initial assessment in just seconds.

You photograph a suspicious skin change with your smartphone. The images are analyzed by three specialized AI models trained on thousands of dermatological images. Additionally, a vision model creates a textual ABCDE analysis. If needed, you can add a professional review by a registered dermatologist.

As impressive as the technology is — an AI analysis does not replace a medical examination. It is a tool for initial assessment that helps you make informed decisions. For suspicious findings or uncertainty, you should always consult a dermatologist. The combination of AI screening and medical expertise provides the best prevention.

Examine your skin completely once a month — ideally in good lighting and with a mirror. Pay special attention to: new moles, changes in existing moles, moles that look different from others (the so-called ugly duckling sign), and wounds that don't heal. Document abnormalities with photos and use the ABCDE rule as guidance.