Many Patients Seeking Skin Cancer Screening Are Low Risk
A recent study found that many asymptomatic patients seeking skin cancer screenings are at a lower risk for diagnosis compared to older patients with a history of skin cancer. The research analyzed data from 1,074 new patients at Emory Healthcare Dermatology Clinic and highlighted significant differences in the number needed to examine (NNE) for various age and risk groups. The authors suggest implementing triage criteria to better identify individuals who would benefit most from routine skin cancer surveillance.
- ▪The study included 1,074 asymptomatic patients who requested comprehensive skin examinations due to concerns about skin cancer.
- ▪Only 12.2% of patients underwent biopsies, with 38 skin cancers diagnosed, predominantly in patients aged 50 and older.
- ▪The number needed to examine (NNE) to diagnose one skin cancer was significantly higher in younger patients compared to those over 70.
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TOPLINE:Many asymptomatic patients who are screened for skin cancer have a lower risk for detection than older patients with prior skin cancer, a study found.METHODOLOGY:Researchers conducted a secondary analysis of previsit survey data from new patients seen at the Emory Healthcare Dermatology Clinic, Atlanta, between March 2021 and October 2022.The study included 1074 asymptomatic patients (mean age, 50.3 years; 59.9% women; 66% White and 10% Black) who requested comprehensive skin examinations because of general concerns about skin cancer.A total of 52.6% of patients completed a survey assessing personal and family history of skin cancer, skin phototype, sunburn tendency, hair color, eye color, and organ transplant status.The researchers calculated the number needed to examine (NNE) to…
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