Computer algorithm outperformed humans in detecting skin cancer after being fed thousands of images

Briefing

Computer algorithm outperformed humans in detecting skin cancer after being fed thousands of images

February 28, 2017

Briefing

  • Skin Cancer Screening Algorithm – Stanford researchers trained algorithm to identify skin cancer by feeding it thousands of images, learning to determine if lesion is benign, malignant or non-neoplastic (not a tumor)
  • More Accurate Than Humans – Scored with 71% accuracy compared to two dermatologists’ 65-66% scores, with separate test among 21 dermatologists showing algorithm outperforming humans
  • More Training Required – Needs to be taught to distinguish lesions in people of darker skin by feeding it more images
  • Smartphone App Prototype – Researchers plan on making smartphone app version of software

Accelerator

Sector

Healthcare/Health Sciences, Information Technology

Organization

Stanford University

Source

Original Publication Date

January 25, 2017

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