Health Highlight: Mon. 24, Apr.
Today’s Highlight(s): A look at the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) Skin Cancer: Screening; Final Recommendation Statement.
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“Skin Cancer: Screening—Final Recommendation Statement”
🌐 Full Article • 📚 Glasp Highlights
THE BRIEF
The USPSTF released its final recommendation for skin cancer screening for adolescents and adults without symptoms last Tuesday (April 18th).
The Task Force decided that there isn’t enough evidence to say whether or not people with no symptoms should be screened.
This leaves the decision up to the care provider and the patient.
This update maintains their 2016 recommendation, which is identical but has now been marked out of date. 1
Clinician Summary
“For adolescents and adults who do not have signs or symptoms of skin cancer: The USPSTF found 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.” 2
Important Note
“The recommendation does not apply to people with a family history of skin cancer or those with signs or symptoms, such as irregular moles or any changes in the size, shape, or color of skin growths.” 2
BACKGROUND
What is the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)?
The USPSTF is an independent group of nationally recognized experts who make evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services such as screenings, counseling services, and preventive medications. 3
If the recommendation is the same, then why update it?
As part of their process for making these recommendations, the USPSTF reviews and evaluates both new and old research and evidence to make sure that their recommendations are up-to-date and reflect best practices.
Additionally, as is the case with this update, the USPSTF may use an update to draw attention to a need or gap where more research is necessary.
“While evidence on screening is limited in all people, the Task Force is using this recommendation to draw attention to the need for future research to be reflective of the United States, both in terms of including study populations with a diversity of skin tones and settings where access to healthcare varies.” 4
MORE
Notes
“Skin Cancer: Screening—Final Recommendation Statement (2016)” https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/skin-cancer-screening-july-2016
“Skin Cancer: Screening—Final Recommendation Statement (2023)” https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/skin-cancer-screening#fullrecommendationstart
“What is USPSTF?” (Search) https://www.perplexity.ai/search/30c20e90-a9c0–4016-accf-876f8af5f55b?s=c
“USPSTF Bulletin: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Issues Final Recommendation on Screening for Skin Cancer” https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/sites/default/files/file/supporting_documents/skin-cancer-screening-final-rec-bulletin.pdf