ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) is becoming a key tool in skin cancer diagnosis, but patient acceptance remains a critical aspect of its implementation. A recent narrative review exploring 16 studies from 2012 to 2024 found that patients generally view AI as a positive addition to skin cancer screening, particularly for its potential to enhance diagnostic speed and accuracy. However, concerns over privacy, the de-skilling of clinicians, and the erosion of the doctor-patient relationship remain significant barriers to widespread acceptance.
Patients preferred AI as an aid to dermatologists, rather than a replacement for human expertise. This distinction is crucial as it highlights the role of AI in supporting healthcare providers rather than taking over critical decision-making processes. In fact, most patients in the study favored the idea of AI augmenting a dermatologist’s diagnosis, acknowledging its ability to detect skin lesions that may not be visible to the human eye.
Despite the optimism surrounding AI’s capabilities, patients expressed anxiety about potential risks. Privacy issues, specifically regarding the handling of sensitive health data, were a major concern. Additionally, the fear that over-reliance on AI could reduce the skills of clinicians and alter the traditional dynamics of the doctor-patient relationship raised alarms.
The study also emphasized that patients’ perceptions were influenced by a range of demographic factors and the perceived quality and functionality of AI systems. For example, patients with higher levels of trust in medical technology were more likely to have a positive attitude toward AI.
As AI technologies continue to evolve, it is essential for healthcare professionals to understand and address these concerns. Engaging patients in discussions about the role of AI and ensuring transparent communication can help alleviate fears and foster greater acceptance. For AI to be successfully integrated into dermatology, the technology must be perceived as a tool that complements rather than replaces the crucial role of human clinicians.
Reference: S Ali et al. What Are Patients’ Perceptions and Attitudes Regarding the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Skin Cancer Screening and Diagnosis? Narrative Review. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2025;S0022-202X(25)00080-6. doi:10.1016/j.jid.2025.01.013. [Online ahead of print].
Anaya Malik | AMJ
