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Screening for Skin Cancer: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Draft Recommendation Statement Patient FAQ Q: What does this recommendation mean? A: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a group that provides guidance for primary care physicians, has determined that there is not enough scientific evidence to recommend that adults receive regular skin cancer screenings from a doctor. This does not mean the USPSTF is recommending against skin cancer screenings; it means the group did not find enough evidence to make a recommendation one way or another. Q: What does a skin cancer screening entail? A: A skin cancer screening is a noninvasive exam during which a medical professional performs a visual inspection of the skin. No blood work is required. Q: Does the USPSTF recommendation cover everyone? A: No. This recommendation only applies to adults with no suspicious spots on their skin and no history of skin cancer. Those who do have a skin cancer history should talk to their board-certified dermatologist to determine how often they should receive a skin exam from a doctor. Individuals with an increased risk of melanoma — including men older than 50; people with more than 50 moles, or large or unusual moles; and people with fair skin — also should talk to their dermatologist about how often they should receive a skin cancer screening. Q: Does the USPSTF recommendation apply to skin self-exams? A: No. This recommendation only applies to exams conducted by a doctor. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone regularly examine their skin for suspicious spots. If you notice any unusual spots on your skin, including those that are changing, itching or bleeding, make an appointment with your dermatologist. Q: Why do I need to be alert for signs of skin cancer? A: Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. All forms of skin cancer — including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer — are most treatable when detected early. Although the USPSTF recommendation is focused on melanoma, which causes the majority of skin cancer deaths, it’s also important to be aware of the signs of nonmelanoma skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma; if left undetected and untreated, these cancers can be severely damaging or even deadly. Q: How can I learn more about skin cancer detection? A: Talk to your dermatologist, who can explain how to perform a skin self-exam and describe the skin cancer warning signs you should watch out for. You also can visit the Academy website SpotSkinCancer.org, where you can find a variety of skin cancer information and resources, including a How to Spot Skin Cancer infographic and a body mole map you can use to track changes on your skin.