Screening for Melanoma: The Controversy Continues

In a primary care–based study, screening detected more thin melanomas, but editorialists disagree on how to interpret these findings.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) last issued a recommendation statement on screening for skin cancer in 2016. At that time, the USPSTF concluded that evidence was insufficient to balance the benefits and harms of screening, and thus it did not recommend for or against screening (NEJM JW Gen Med Sep 1 2016 and JAMA 2016; 316:429). Melanoma (not basal cell or squamous cell cancer) was the main focus of that report, given the considerable morbidity and mortality associated with melanoma. In its statement, the USPSTF referred to “visual skin examination by a clinician” as the presumed screening method and acknowledged both primary care clinicians and dermatologists as potential examiners.

Because no robust randomized trials are a…

Authors

Thomas L. Schwenk, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Thomas L. Schwenk, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Screening for Melanoma: The Controversy Continues

Topics

Authors