Screening for Skin Cancer: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement

Abstract

Update of the 2001 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation statement on screening for skin cancer. To update its recommendation, the USPSTF reviewed evidence published since 2001 on studies on screening effectiveness, the stage of detection by screening, and the accuracy of whole-body examination by primary care clinicians and self-examination by patients. The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for skin cancer by primary care clinicians or by patient skin self-examination. (I statement).