The recommendations are not an official position of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
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AAD supports skin self-exams
“The American Academy of Dermatology is disappointed with this recommendation, as dermatologists know that skin cancer screenings can save lives, yet we acknowledge the need for additional research on the benefits and harms of skin cancer screening in the primary care setting,” Dr. Abel Torres, president of the American Academy of Dermatology, said in a statement responding to the USPSTF skin cancer screening recommendations.
“It is important for the public to understand that the USPSTF is not recommending against skin cancer screenings; it means the group did not find conclusive evidence to make a recommendation one way or another,” Dr. Torres said. “The public should know that this recommendation does not apply to individuals with suspicious skin lesions and those with an increased skin cancer risk, and it does not address the practice of skin self-exams.”
“The AAD encourages everyone to serve as their own health advocate by regularly conducting skin self-exams. Individuals who notice any unusual spots on their skin, including those that are changing, itching, or bleeding, should make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist. In addition, individuals with an increased risk of melanoma – including men older than 50; people with more than 50 moles, or large or unusual moles; individuals with fair skin; and those with a history of skin cancer – should talk to a dermatologist about how often they should receive a skin exam from a doctor.”
Dr. Abel Torres is president of the American Academy of Dermatology. The comments are taken from his AAD statement on USPSTF Recommendation on Skin Cancer Screening issued on July 26, 2016.
FROM JAMA