title: Screening, early detection, education, and trends for melanoma: current status (2007-2013) and future directions: Part II. Screening, education, and future directions.
abstract: New evidence has accumulated over the past several years that supports improved melanoma outcomes associated with both clinician and patient screening. Population-based and workplace studies conducted in Australia and the Unites States, respectively, have shown decreases in the incidence of thick melanoma and overall melanoma mortality, and a year-long statewide screening program in Germany has shown a nearly 50% reduction in mortality 5 years after the screening ended. Current melanoma screening guidelines in the United States are inconsistent among various organizations, and therefore rates of both physician and patient skin examinations are low. As policymaking organizations update national screening recommendations in the United States, the latest research reviewed in part II of this continuing medical education article should be considered to establish the most effective recommendations. Patient and provider education will be necessary to ensure that appropriate patients receive recommended screening.
authors.affiliation: Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Jonathan E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Mayer
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Stanford University, Redwood City, California; Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California.
authors.forename: Susan M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Swetter
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Stanford University, Redwood City, California.
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Fu
authors.affiliation: Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts. Electronic address: ageller@hsph.harvard.edu.
authors.forename: Alan C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Geller
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D046169:Dermoscopy / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer / Q000592:standards* / Q000639:trends; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D018426:SEER Program; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013057:Spectrum Analysis / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology