Skin Cancer: Screening

1. Consistent data showing the effects of screening on morbidity and mortality or early detection of skin cancer, particularly melanoma.
2. Clearer descriptions of skin color and inclusion of a full spectrum of skin colors in study participants.
3. Morbidity and mortality outcomes in participants reflective of a US population with a diversity of skin tones.
4. The effectiveness of screening in a range of primary care settings that reflect the variation in access to care in the US.
5. The effectiveness of screening for reducing morbidity and mortality of acral lentiginous melanoma, which is the most frequently diagnosed melanoma in persons with darker skin color.
6. Validated risk assessment tools to identify persons at highest risk for skin cancer and who might benefit from screening.
7. The impact of social determinants of health (e.g., outdoor occupational exposure, geographic exposure differences, and access to quality care) on skin cancer risk, prevention, screening, and treatment.

The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of visual skin examination by a clinician to screen for skin cancer in adolescents and adults.

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