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USPSTF 2023: Insufficient evidence for skin cancer screening in asymptomatic adolescents and adults (I statement)
Clinical Question
Should primary care clinicians screen asymptomatic adolescents and adults for skin cancer?
Bottom line
The US Preventive Services Task Force continues to conclude that current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for skin cancer via a visual skin examination in asymptomatic adolescents and adults. (I statement). This does not apply to persons with a personal or family history of skin cancer or to those with symptoms, including changes in the size, shape, or color of skin lesions. This updated review is consistent with their 2016 recommendation. 2c
Reference
Study design: Practice guideline
Funding: Government
Setting: Various (guideline)
Synopsis
The task force found no high-quality evidence that screening is effective in reducing skin cancer mortality over 4 to 10 years of follow-up. Similarly, evidence was inconsistent whether screening is associated with lesion thickness or stage at diagnosis. The task force also found little to no persistent cosmetic or psychosocial harms associated with screening. No professional organizations recommend visual examination for skin cancer screening in asymptomatic persons.
Reviewer
David C. Slawson, MD
Professor and Vice Chair of Family Medicine for Education and Scholarship
Atrium Health
Professor of Family Medicine, UNC Chapel Hill
Charlotte, NC
Comments
Impact assessment
Excellent
Insufficient evidence of screening for skin cancer in asympt
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