SkinVision
New Zealand has the worst skin cancer rates in the world. In order to help New Zealanders stay on top of their skin health, Accuro provides free access to the SkinVision application for all policy holders.
— Vicky Underwood, Accuro memberFive minutes after the first photo, the app signalled my mole as high risk. A week later, I had my melanoma removed.
About Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand and accounts for around 80% of new cancer diagnosis each year. Our skin cancer rates are the highest in the world with three major contributing factors; exposure to high levels of UV radiation due to our location under the ozone hole, our clean air does not provide a smoggy buffer as in other countries and finally, the earth's orbit takes the southern hemisphere closer to the sun in our summer than it does the north in theirs.
In 2019, 503 people died of skin cancer, of these, 328 deaths were from melanoma and 175 deaths from other types of skin cancers. This means that more people die each year from melanoma than car accidents.
Signs and symptoms of skin cancer
Anything out of the normal on your skin is worth keeping an eye on but there are a few things that you should watch out for when it comes to spotting skin cancer.
- a new spot on the skin or a spot that is changing in size, shape, or color.
- a spot that has become itchy, tender or painful or that is bleeding, oozing or scaly
- a spot that looks or feels different to the rest (an ugly duckling)
- a sore that doesn't heal
- redness or swelling around a mole
- a spot that appears quickly.
This is not an exhaustive list. If you see anything unusual, book an appointment to see your doctor.
What is SkinVision
The SkinVision app is intended to help you track the health of your skin and detect skin cancer at an early stage. SkinVision allows you to store photos and track changes to your skin over time. It serves as a helpful tool to guide discussions with healthcare professionals.
Based on a photo taken with your mobile device, SkinVision runs the mole, freckle or skin spot that you want to check through its algorithm and provides an instant risk level assessment. Based on the result, the SkinVision service recommends whether to visit a healthcare professional for further review.
SkinVision performs continuous quality control of the app with a team of algorithm and image recognition experts, in collaboration with dermatologists.
Accuro offer
Accuro offers policyholders free access to the SkinVision app.
SkinVision and Accuro Health Insurance have enjoyed a partnership since 2017 and together have enabled over 1,200 Accuro policyholders to check their skin. So far, we have performed 3,025 skin checks, leading to the detection of 27 skin cancers.
Who is eligible for this offer?
Everyone insured on an Accuro Health Insurance policy is eligible for free access to the SkinVision app.
How do I get the SkinVision app?
- Go to www.skinvision.com/partners/accuro
- Download the app on your smartphone
- Contact Accuro on 0800 222 876 or membership@accuro.co.nz and ask for your SkinVision promo code
- On the app go to the settings icon on the top left corner
- Then select Add promo code and enter the promo code
Cathy discovers skin cancer after using SkinVision app
Cathy Sherwood has a 15cm scar on the calf of her leg, a small but permanent reminder of her close encounter with skin cancer.
Please note that the goal of the SkinVision app is to help you to track your skin health and alert you to potential warning signs. It does not provide a diagnosis and is not a substitute for visits to a healthcare professional. The SkinVision service is also not intended for use on children.
Further resources
- Sunsmart - sunsmart.org.nz
- Cancer Society - cancer.org.nz
- Melanoma New Zealand - melanoma.org.nz
Active Benefits
Active benefits are about providing our members with access to benefits, resources and services that support them and their family's health and wellbeing.
