The incidence of common types of skin cancer has been rising for decades. Now skin cancer prevention is one of the most important public health issues [1].
An innovative patented technology [2][3] combining real-time Earth Observation satellite data and AI in smartphone apps addresses this emerging need. It allows the automatic real-time whole-body solar exposure dosimetry by detecting the indoor/outdoor position and the incident spectral solar radiation.
This can be used for seamlessly tracking the solar exposure of a large number of users, for example in epidemiological/clinical studies or for risk prevention of outdoor workers. Solar exposure data are provided in excel/csv format via a dedicated web-portal (ExpoDose® solution).
Moreover, the same technology is embedded into an app dedicated to digital sun protection (Sun4Health®), already validated scientifically and clinically (CE-marked medical device class 1) [4][5]. The app assesses the user’s Minimal Erythemal Dose and incorporates the spectral transmittance and application quantity of sunscreens. It provides guidance about the sunscreen application and provides in real-time personalised recommendations for preventing sun damage.
The automatic indoor/outdoor positioning has an accuracy of over 80% , while the solar radiation monitoring shows a correlation coefficient of 0.913 and mean average error of 15.7% when compared to 9 months of continuous UV erythemal radiometer measurements in Brescia (Italy).
Sun4Health can reduce the prevalence of skin cancer by providing real-time personalised recommendations on sun protection. It also has the potential to be used for other photobiological applications, such as sun phototherapy of vitiligo in everyday life.