Evaluation of melanoma/skin cancer screening in Massachusetts. Preliminary results

Howard K. Koh, Anthony Caruso, Irene Gage, Alan C. Geller, Marianne N. Prout, Herbert White, Kathy O'connor, Eva M. Balash, George Blumental, Ira H. Rex, Frederick D. Wax, Tom L. Rosenfeld, Gerald C. Gladstone, Steven K. Shama, Jeltje A. Koumans, G. Robert Baler, Robert A. Lew

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

88 Scopus citations

Abstract

Although screening for melanoma/skin cancer is theoretically of value, few data are available to evaluate its effectiveness or the value of a visual exam by a dermatologist as a cancer screening tool. From the 2560 persons screened for melanoma/skin cancer in Massachusetts in 1986 and 1987, the authors followed the positive screenees to determine their final diagnosis. The authors obtained information on 85% of these persons, and found nine malignant melanomas, 91 non‐melanoma skin cancers, 39 dysplastic nevi, and three congenital nevi. The sensitivity of the visual exam by a dermatologist was 89% to 97% and the predictive value positive was 35% to 75% for skin cancer. The authors conclude that the yield of screening is equivalent to that of other major cancer screening efforts and that the sensitivity and predictive value of the visual examination by the dermatologist is appropriate for a cancer screening tool.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)375-379
Number of pages5
JournalCancer
Volume65
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 15 1990
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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