Robots are better than doctors at diagnosing some cancers, major study finds

"This would result in less unnecessary surgery." The computer was more accurate even when compared with the most experienced doctors, the study, published in the Annals of Oncology, found. "These findings show that deep learning convolutional neural networks are capable of out-performing dermatologists, including extensively trained experts, in the task of detecting melanomas," Prof Haenssle said. Researchers said such technology could be used to screen for skin cancer, meaning cases could be diagnosed far earlier. But they said the technology was likely to be used in conjunction with skilled doctors, rather than replacing them.