Huidkanker-app SkinVision mist 1 op 4 kankers en geeft vals alarm bij 1 op 8 vlekjes, blijkt uit studie UGent
A popular skin cancer detection app, SkinVision, is missing a significant number of cancerous lesions and frequently provides false positives, according to a new study from the University Hospital Ghent and Ghent University. The findings highlight the limitations of relying solely on artificial intelligence for medical diagnoses, and underscore the importance of professional dermatological evaluations.
Researchers found that the app failed to identify one in four actual skin cancers. Simultaneously, nearly one in eight benign skin lesions were incorrectly flagged as potentially cancerous, leading to unnecessary anxiety and follow-up appointments. The study, conducted by doctoral student dr. Julie Kips and teams led by prof. Lieve Brochez and prof. Evelien Verhaeghe, was published on February 28, 2026, and sponsored by the Research Foundation – Flanders and Kom op tegen Kanker.
SkinVision utilizes artificial intelligence to analyze photos of skin lesions taken with a smartphone, providing users with an assessment of risk and recommendations for follow-up care. The app, which is not free, is sometimes partially or fully reimbursed by various Belgian health insurance funds. It currently has over 3 million users worldwide and completed 100,000 checks in Belgium in 2025.
The researchers emphasize that the app’s performance is context-dependent. Because the app is most often used on benign lesions, a negative test result is usually reassuring. Though, a positive result often turns out to be a false alarm. UZ Gent cautions that users should always consult a doctor for a definitive diagnosis.
SkinVision has responded to the study’s findings by stating that the research is outdated and that the accuracy of their AI improves annually. The company maintains that the app is intended as a support tool, not a replacement for professional medical diagnosis. SkinVision’s response was reported by Tweakers.net.
If the app indicates a suspicious lesion, users are advised to promptly schedule an appointment with their primary care physician or a dermatologist. If the app reports no concerns, the lesion can generally be monitored without immediate medical intervention. VRT News provided additional coverage of the study’s results on February 24, 2026.
