Development of a Mobile Application for Skin Cancer Detection and Monitoring

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Skin cancer is a significant public health concern globally, with increasing incidence rates and a high mortality rate if not detected and treated early. In response to this challenge, the development of a mobile application for skin cancer detection and monitoring has been proposed as a potential solution to improve early detection and enhance patient outcomes. This thesis presents a comprehensive study on the design, development, and evaluation of a mobile application aimed at assisting users in self-assessment and monitoring of skin lesions for signs of skin cancer. The introduction highlights the rising prevalence of skin cancer and the limitations of current methods for early detection. The background of the study provides an overview of existing technologies and applications in dermatology and outlines the need for a user-friendly, reliable tool for skin cancer detection and monitoring. The problem statement emphasizes the urgency of addressing the shortcomings of traditional screening methods and the potential of mobile applications to improve patient outcomes. The objectives of the study include developing an intuitive mobile application that utilizes image analysis algorithms to assess skin lesions, providing users with personalized risk assessments and recommendations for further evaluation by healthcare professionals. The limitations of the study are acknowledged, including the reliance on user-generated images and the need for validation studies to assess the accuracy and reliability of the application. The scope of the study encompasses the design and implementation of the mobile application, the integration of image recognition technology, and user interface testing to ensure usability and effectiveness. The significance of the study lies in its potential to empower individuals to take proactive measures in monitoring their skin health, facilitating early detection of skin cancer and reducing the burden on healthcare systems. The structure of the thesis is outlined, detailing the organization of chapters and key findings. The definition of terms clarifies technical terminology and concepts used throughout the thesis, providing a comprehensive overview for readers. The literature review explores existing research on skin cancer detection technologies, mobile health applications, and image analysis algorithms. Key findings from previous studies inform the design and development of the mobile application, highlighting best practices and potential areas for improvement. The research methodology section describes the development process, including data collection, algorithm selection, software implementation, and user testing. Eight key components are detailed, including data acquisition, algorithm training, user interface design, and validation procedures. The discussion of findings chapter presents the results of the application testing phase, highlighting user feedback, algorithm performance, and potential enhancements. The implications of the findings are discussed in relation to current practices in skin cancer detection and the potential impact on patient outcomes. In conclusion, the thesis summarizes the key findings, discusses the implications for future research and clinical practice, and emphasizes the importance of continued innovation in mobile health technologies for skin cancer detection and monitoring. The mobile application represents a promising tool in the fight against skin cancer, offering users a convenient and accessible means of monitoring their skin health and seeking timely medical attention when needed.