ASDS Disagrees with New Skin Cancer Screening Recommendation

The US Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF) has declined to take a stance on the value of preventive skin cancer screenings for the second time in seven years, and The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery ASDS is responding with disappointment.

The USPSTF says there is insufficient evidence to make a recommendation on whether the benefits of routine screenings by a physician outweigh the harm. “Dermatologic surgeons – who are the experts in skin disease treatment – do not believe this ‘insufficient evidence’ recommendation is accurate,” said ASDS President Naomi Lawrence, MD, in a statement. “Screenings often lead to the early detection and treatment, which lead to better outcomes and higher survival rates for patients.”

The recommendation that screenings not be considered a preventive health care service was made by a panel of research experts.

Dr. Lawrence noted that the task force does recommend that adults who have already had skin cancer, those at high risk (e.g., fair-skinned, light eye color or history of significant sun exposure) or those with changes to their skin consult with their physician.

“However, even those not at high risk for the disease can benefit from skin cancer screenings,” she said. “Screenings can provide early detection when the disease is most curable as well as educate patients on the importance of skin self-exams and sun-safe behaviors.”

Lawrence said it’s important for the public to understand the panel’s findings do not advise against skin cancer screenings. “ASDS member dermatologists are worried the public will misinterpret the findings and avoid regular screenings. Instead, the task force is making no recommendation,” she said.

Skin cancer screenings provided by ASDS member dermatologists have proven an effective tool in diagnosing skin cancer. Since 2008, the ASDS Choose Skin Health program has provided more than 20,000 free skin cancer screenings to the public, resulting in a cancer diagnosis for 1 in 10 patients.

The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association (ASDSA) – the advocacy arm of the organization – says it has worked extensively to institute reforms at USPSTF. As a member of the Alliance for Specialty Medicine, ASDSA sent representatives to Capitol Hill for the second consecutive year to lobby for the passage of HR 1151, the “USPSTF Transparency and Accountability Act of 2015.”

This legislation would require justification for USPSTF recommendations and publication of research plans as well as allow for public input.