Overview
Researchers at the University of Essex have developed an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) framework set to dramatically speed up the diagnosis of skin cancer.
Working with Check4Cancer and Addenbrooke’s Hospital, the Essex team has created a ground breaking AI model for skin cancer detection. The technology could help clinicians triage patients faster, reduce unnecessary referrals, and shorten waiting lists – transforming how skin cancer is detected and diagnosed.
The Challenge
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and demand for diagnosis is rising sharply. Current referral systems can be time-consuming, leading to long waiting lists and delays in treatment. Many patients are referred to specialist clinics only to discover their skin lesions are non-suspicious. There is a clear need for an efficient, accurate triage system that can quickly identify high-risk patients while reassuring others earlier in the process. AI offers a powerful solution – enabling clinicians to use data-driven insights to detect disease sooner and ease pressure on health services.
Partnerships
The research was led by the University of Essex in partnership with Check4Cancer, Anglia Ruskin University, and Addenbrooke’s Hospital. It formed part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by Innovate UK, bringing together academic expertise and clinical experience to create a practical, deployable solution.
Research
Led by Dr Haider Raza from Essex’s School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, the team developed the C4C risk score – one of the first AI frameworks based solely on patient data rather than images. By analysing over 53,000 data points from more than 25,000 patients, the model predicts whether a lesion is likely to be malignant.
Impact
Now being integrated into the Check4Cancer smartphone app, the tool will make remote assessment faster and easier. This breakthrough has earned national recognition, including finalist status in the Innovate UK KTP Awards 2025 (“Changing the World” category) and runner-up in the 2024 SEHTA Healthcare Business Awards for Partnership between Academia and Business.
