Skin Cancer Screenings
Skin cancer screenings involve the examination of apparently healthy individuals in order to detect unrecognized skin cancer or precancerous lesions. To date, no large-scale, randomized, controlled studies have been conducted to conclusively demonstrate the effectiveness of skin cancer screenings. However, it is clear that when melanoma is found in its early stages, the chances of effective treatment and long-term survival are very high.
Australia, which has the world's highest incidence of melanoma, has conducted an extensive screening program since the 1960s. This program has been credited with a decrease in average tumor thickness, the result of detecting suspicious lesions before they have had the chance to grow.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has performed free skin cancer screenings on over 1 million people since 1985. Of all the biopsies performed on suspicious lesions, 17% were found to be melanomas, most of which were less than 1.5 mm thick. Almost 40% of screened patients who had melanoma stated that, if not for the free screening, they would not otherwise have sought a skin examination.1
The AAD sponsors free annual skin cancer screenings throughout the country and throughout the year. Information about free skin cancer screenings in your area is available on the AAD website at http://www.aad.org/skinscrn.html.
Your local cancer center or dermatology department may also conduct free skin screenings. Check with your hospital or health care provider for information.
Reference
- Koh HK, Norton LA, Geller AC, et al. Evaluation of the American Academy of Dermatology's National Skin Cancer Early Detection and Screening Program. J Am Acad Dermatol 1996;34:971.