INTRODUCTION
Skin cancer is more common than all other cancers combined, and its incidence is rising faster than that of any cancer.1 The American Cancer Society estimates that 5.4 million basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) are diagnosed each year, and an estimated 100,350 new invasive melanomas will be diagnosed in 2020.2,3 Skin cancer screening is a tool used by dermatologists to detect these cancers; however, evidence of its utility has been mixed. The United States Preventative Task Force (USPTF) has concluded that there is currently not enough evidence to suggest that skin cancer screening is beneficial.4
A systematic review on the impact of skin cancer screening found that implementing skin cancer screening increased detection of in situ and thin melanoma, increased incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer detection, and decreased rates of thick melanoma. However, only one of the studies reviewed found a reduction in melanoma mortality. The evidence level is notably unclear for the exact benefits of preventative screening.5 Due to this uncertainty, some academic cancer centers are narrowing their guidelines for whom is recommended to undergo routine skin cancer screening.6,7 This study intends to discover the current skin cancer screening practices and recommendations of dermatologists.
A systematic review on the impact of skin cancer screening found that implementing skin cancer screening increased detection of in situ and thin melanoma, increased incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer detection, and decreased rates of thick melanoma. However, only one of the studies reviewed found a reduction in melanoma mortality. The evidence level is notably unclear for the exact benefits of preventative screening.5 Due to this uncertainty, some academic cancer centers are narrowing their guidelines for whom is recommended to undergo routine skin cancer screening.6,7 This study intends to discover the current skin cancer screening practices and recommendations of dermatologists.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A 20-question "Skin Cancer Screening Survey" was developed and sent to the American College of Mohs Surgery and the Association of Professors of Dermatology email listservs. Demographic information was obtained on the type of practice and length of practice, excluding residency. The survey asked participants questions regarding how often they performed skin cancer screenings and how often they recommended skin cancer screenings to their patients. Information was also obtained on what areas of the body they typically examined, the use of dermoscopy, the use of total body photography (TBP), and if they recommended self-skin cancer screenings.
The study was approved by the institutional review board of George Washington University, Washington DC and a waiver was approved. The survey was administered via SurveyMonkey. Invited participants were emailed a link to the survey, which was followed up with one additional reminder over the course of 4 weeks.
The study was approved by the institutional review board of George Washington University, Washington DC and a waiver was approved. The survey was administered via SurveyMonkey. Invited participants were emailed a link to the survey, which was followed up with one additional reminder over the course of 4 weeks.
