Suspected skin cancer? Just take a photo, GPs told

FAMILY doctors have been told to take pictures of suspected skin cancer on their phones before passing patients on to specialists.

The scheme – which has been brought in in the North East – aims to cut unnecessary referrals to dermatologists.

It comes after four clinical commissioning groups said they received around 150 referrals for urgent skin checks a week, most of which turn out not to be cancer. But GPs fear the new system is ‘unnecessarily bureaucratic’ and could result in diagnosis delay or cancer being missed.

Under the scheme, doctors would take three photographs using their mobile phones and a dermatoscope – a microscope for skin lesions.

A consultant would then review these and offer either an urgent or routine appointment, or an alternative treatment plan, Pulse magazine reports. Previously, the GP decided if urgent cancer checks should be performed.

One GP involved in the scheme, said: ‘As well as adding to the workload, it may delay skin cancer diagnoses by making the referral process unnecessarily bureaucratic.’ Professor Helen StokesLampard, chairman of the Royal College of GPs, said: ‘Introducing this extra step to urgent referrals implies doubt about GPs’ clinical judgment.’

Skin cancer is on the rise with melanoma rates up by 128 per cent in 20 years, making it the UK’s fifth most common cancer.

Health chiefs insist the plans will help patients. Dr George Rae, chief executive of Newcastle and North Tyneside Local Medical Committee, said: ‘If the technology is right, this is not at all a bad idea.’