Every year in Australia, skin cancers account for around 80 per cent of all newly diagnosed cancers, according to the Cancer Council. However, in the last year, skin cancer testing rates have dropped. Melbourne’s Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre recorded an almost 30 per cent decline in cancer diagnosis, with over one in 10 Australians putting off being screened for cancer due to the pandemic.
While there are a plethora of sunscreen products on the market acting as prevention tools, few are taking action in the area of skin cancer detection. Melbourne-based sun protection specialist Solbari is going a step further on its commitment to customers with the introduction of AI technology to help consumers detect lesions that may need medical attention.
The Solbari skin check app, in partnership with melanoma detection app SkinVision, was recently launched as an extension of its product portfolio.
“It is a real concern that people are putting off skin checks, so hopefully by using this app people will be encouraged to check their skin if anything looks wrong,” Solbari CEO and co-founder Johanna Young told Inside Retail.
Through AI technology, the app gives users the ability to screen at home an unlimited number of times over a 12-month period. By taking a photo on their smartphone, users can receive a low to urgent risk recommendation on skin lesions, which are automatically checked by qualified dermatologists through the app.
“It’s AI technology with a 95 per cent accuracy rate in terms of skin cancer detection. It can provide people with a risk level and encourage them to go and seek medical advice, if it is flagged as a risk lesion,” she said.
The collaboration has been very well received by Solbari’s conusmer base due to the similar values and mission that the two companies hold, Young explained.
“It’s a collaboration that’s worked really well. It’s great for our community because it’s one thing to protect your skin from the sun but it’s really important to encourage people to check their skin regularly.”
Since September, 730 skin checks have been completed on the app, nine of which were high risk lesions, with two melanomas identified.
Sun smart
Young started Solbari around six years ago after moving back to Melbourne from a career in finance in London.
“I quickly became aware of how intense UV rays are in Australia and this really sparked my interest in why so many people suffer from skin cancer and melanoma.”
Her initial product range focused on sun protective clothing, with specific fabrics designed to block out the harsh rays of the sun. Over the years the range has expanded to include a variety of clothing options for men and women, a selection of sunscreens as well as skincare products.
“We’ve got over 110 products, customers in 95 countries, and a fabulous growing team,” Young said.
With 98 per cent of the business online, Solbari thrived in 2020, with 100 per cent growth last year.
While its sunscreen products have undergone rigorous testing, Young said the use of sun protective clothing is still vital.
“At the end of the day, dermatologists and skin doctors recommend some protective clothing, with a UPF 50+,that’s the highest protective rating available in the world, as the best form of sun protection,” she said.
“As far as Solbari is concerned, we always recommend people to [use] sun protective clothing on as much of the skin as possible and use sunscreen as a last resort, on the areas you can’t cover.”
Looking to the year ahead, Solbari has big plans for product innovation and growth.
“We’ve got 18 new products launching before March, and many more before the end of the year. We’re working on our skincare range,” Young said. “We’re also looking to grow our team. We’ve already doubled our team in the last 12 months, which is exciting.”
