Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers on the globe. But also one of the most preventable ones. Besides high-quality sun-protection, prevention needs verified clinical information, quantifiable documentation and monitoring over time.

Emerging research even suggests that eye color may play a role in individual risk: a monocentric iris analysis study currently underway is investigating a potential link between iris pigmentation and basal cell carcinoma.  

The CE class Im certified and clinically validated Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) Scarletred®Vision overcomes the limitations of traditional assessment, enabling earlier detection and more effective monitoring.

Rising prevalence of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer rates are rising across western countries. In Austria alone, it ranks among the most frequent cancers, with an incidence rate of 27.5 per 100,000 inhabitants.

Across Europe, 7.3 million people are affected, and incidence is projected to increase by 34% between 2020 and 2040. In 2024, an estimated 104,000 new cases of melanoma were diagnosed in the EU, with 16,000 to 20,000 deaths annually.  

In the U.S., 1 in 5 Americans is likely to develop skin cancer by age 70. In Australia and New Zealand - the regions with the highest rates worldwide - at least two in three are likely to be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.

Skin cancer is, by a wide margin, the most common group of cancers in modern civilization.

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the epidermis — the outermost layer of the skin. It is caused by unrepaired DNA damage that triggers mutations, causing skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors.

Main causes:  

1. the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays

2. using UV tanning beds

Additional risk factors include a weakened immune system, fair skin combined with light eyes and hair (reflected in the Fitzpatrick Score), and a family history of skin cancer.

When detected early, most skin cancers can be treated with a high likelihood of complete elimination.

The main types of Skin Cancer

1. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC),  
2. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC),  
3. Melanoma,
4. Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)  

BCC is the most common form of skin cancer, with over 4 million cases diagnosed worldwide each year. It arises from basal cells in the epidermis, typically on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, ears, scalp, shoulders, and back. BCC usually grows slowly and is highly curable when detected early. However, if left untreated, it can become locally destructive and, in rare cases, spread.

Primary cause: Intense, intermittent or prolonged UV exposure.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

SCC is the second most common form, with over 2.2 million cases diagnosed annually. It arises from squamous cells in the epidermis, often appearing as red, scaly patches on sun-exposed areas such as the ears, face, scalp, neck, and hands - frequently in areas already showing signs of sun damage like wrinkles or age spots. When detected and treated early, SCC is highly manageable; left untreated, it can grow rapidly and metastasize.

Primary cause: Cumulative, long-term UV exposure from the sun and tanning beds.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, with over 330,000 new cases diagnosed worldwide each year. It develops from melanocytes - the cells that produce skin pigment - and often resembles a mole or arises from one. Unlike other forms, melanoma can appear on any area of the body, including areas not typically exposed to the sun. When caught early, it is curable; its danger lies in its tendency to spread rapidly if not detected in time.

Primary cause: Intense, intermittent sun exposure leading to sunburn; tanning bed use also increases risk.

Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC)

MCC is a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer, with 10,000 to 12,000 new cases diagnosed annually. It most commonly appears as a flesh-colored or bluish-red bump on the face, head, or neck - also known as neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. MCC tends to occur in people over 50 and grows and spreads quickly; treatment depends on whether the cancer has extended beyond the skin.

Primary causes: Long-term sun exposure and a weakened immune system.

Why do we need better Skin Monitoring?

As skin cancer prevalence continues to rise globally, effective assessment and monitoring have never been more important. Assessing non-melanoma skin lesions is a routine part of general practice, with traditional approaches including non-invasive dermoscopy and invasive biopsies. While these methods provide essential diagnostic information, they can be time-consuming and lack standardization - limiting consistent documentation, quantification, and tracking of skin changes over time.

The solution: Scarletred®Vision

Scarletred®Vision supports and improves the assessment, monitoring, and treatment of skin cancer across multiple dimensions:

• Fitzpatrick Score Analysis: The Fitzpatrick Score combines a person's eye, hair, and skin color to assess individual risk for sunburn and skin cancer. Scarletred®Vision enables objective skin typing through AI-powered imaging and analysis.
• Color and Lesion Documentation: Scarletred®Vision objectively documents, quantifies, and analyzes color and diameter changes in skin lesions over time - providing a reliable, standardized baseline for clinical decision-making.

Case-control study: Eye color as a predictor for BCC

Eye color may be a predictor for the risk of developing basal cell carcinoma (BCC). A case-control study currently underway at the State Hospital of Wiener Neustadt - "Eye color as a possible predictor for the risk of developing basal cell carcinomas: a monocentric iris analysis at the State Hospital Wiener Neustadt" - is investigating this relationship using Scarletred®Vision, powered by ARORA®AI.

The 24-month study monitors 400 patients with BCC alongside a control group of 400 patients with dermatosis (without BCC). It examines:

• A possible correlation between iris pigmentation, eye color, and individual BCC risk
• The development of prevention recommendations for individuals with specific iris pigmentation profiles

The study contributes to expanding the evidence base for skin cancer risk factors and builds on findings from previous research.

Every skin deserves precision

Early diagnosis is crucial to improving prognosis and treatment outcomes for skin cancer patients. Scarletred®Vision enables:

• Quantification of color and diameter changes in lesions
• Measurement of asymmetry and elevation changes
• Longitudinal monitoring of skin cancer cases over time

Together, these capabilities form the basis for objective documentation, earlier detection, and more effective monitoring - overcoming the limitations of traditional assessment methods.

Scarletred®Vision – powered by ARORA®AI

The Gold Standard in Mobile Skin Imaging and AI analysis: Scarletred®Vision is a clinically validated CE class Im certified Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), including its Mobile App, Calibration Patch and Web Platform on iOS and Android, worldwide.

For more information, contact office@scarletred.com.