A team of students from the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, consisting of Gian Luky Saputra (Statistics, 2021), Saprina Saputri (Statistics, 2021), and Rahma Nur Anisa (Statistics, 2022), presented an innovative project worthy of recognition at the 2024 Statistics Essay Competition (SEC). Rather than focusing solely on their achievement of winning third place in this prestigious competition, their project serves as a testament to their real contribution in addressing health challenges, particularly skin cancer, through an application called SkinCheck.
Utilizing computer vision technology based on Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), the SkinCheck app is designed for early skin cancer detection. By scanning with a smartphone camera, users can monitor their skin condition and detect potential skin cancer more quickly and easily. This innovation not only integrates science and technology but also offers a promising solution to raise awareness and promote preventive action against this often-overlooked disease.
This project reflects UGM students’ ability to integrate data science with modern technology in response to the demands of Society 5.0, where technology and industry collaborate to provide practical solutions to social and health problems. With health issues as the primary focus, they have delivered a significant breakthrough in the development of technology-based health applications in Indonesia.
Behind their achievement lies a well-thought-out process of idea development and analysis. Gian, Saprina, and Rahma’s team had to go through a rigorous selection phase, competing with more than 450 teams from various universities across Indonesia. Their innovative essay brought them to the final round, where they presented their idea directly in front of expert judges. Despite facing challenges, including nervousness during the presentation, they successfully conveyed their ideas and earned praise from the judges.
Through the SkinCheck application, this project directly supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) No. 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. This innovation in early skin cancer detection has the potential to reduce mortality rates by increasing access to early diagnosis that is easily available to the broader public.
Keywords: health app, skin cancer early detection, data science.
Author: Endang Sulastri
Photo: Gian Luky Saputra