Cancer Analyzing Apps Not Applicable

Dermatologists warn Smartphone apps designed to analyze potentially cancerous skin issues are not reliable.

The apps encourage people to snap a picture and use it diagnose skin cancer risks.

Some people use them to avoid the cost of going to a doctor.

However, a new study out of Pittsburgh shows the apps are wrong most of the time.

"If a computer program misses a skin cancer it can be devastating to a person,” said consulting Dr. Adam Mamelak. “This could be the difference between life and death.”

Doctors do say some skin related apps can be valuable. They cite apps that help people monitor moles, or those which alert users about high ultraviolet rays and the need to wear sunscreen.