• Charles Sturt research comparing AI skin mapping with dermatologist assessments found specialists detected melanomas more accurately
• Australia has one of the highest melanoma rates in the world, with approximately 18,900 new diagnoses and 1,450 deaths annually

Artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare - among most of other fields - but Charles Sturt University research has found that when it comes to detecting melanoma, experienced dermatologists still outperform AI technology.

The findings are particularly significant in Australia, which has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.

The study compared an AI-based total body mapping system with dermatologist assessments in an Australian dermatology practice.

Researchers reviewed records from 332 patients and 490 skin lesions assessed at Mid North Coast Dermatology in Port Macquarie over two years.

AI-generated risk scores were compared against dermatologist assessments and pathology results.

The study found dermatologists correctly identified almost 97 per cent of melanomas, compared with around 81 per cent for the AI system.

According to Cancer Australia, Australia has one of the highest melanoma rates in the world, with approximately 18,900 new diagnoses and 1,450 deaths annually. This equates to one person being diagnosed every 30 minutes and one related death every six hours.

Charles Sturt researcher Mena Iwaz (pictured) said the findings highlighted both the promise and the current limitations of AI in clinical practice.

“While AI-based body mapping technology has value in supporting doctors by monitoring skin changes and flagging potentially suspicious lesions, the study found that it should complement - not replace - human specialist assessment,” she said.

"These findings highlight the need for further training and refinement of AI-based body mapping systems, particularly to ensure they perform effectively across Australian skin types. Our team is continuing to work on this to improve the system’s performance.

"Until that happens, seeing a dermatologist is still the best way for people to have their skin checked."

Charles Sturt University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Neena Mitter, said the study demonstrates the University's commitment to producing research with practical benefits for Australians.

“Australia has some of the highest rates of melanomas in the world and it is the most deadly form of skin cancer,” Professor Mitter said.

"Reliable early detection is crucial: more than 90 per cent of Australians diagnosed with melanoma survive at least five years. So it is incredibly important that people know the best way to have their skin checked.”

The project was conducted by Mena Iwaz, Charles Sturt Associate Professor Rachel Rossiter, Dr M. Mamun Huda from Charles Sturt's School of Rural Medicine and Dr Ozge Gunduz from Mid North Coast Dermatology.