Melanoma death prevention: moving away from the sun

This evidence-backed editorial addresses the limitations of solely primary prevention campaigns and outlines the proven efficacy of early detection/secondary prevention strategies with respect to melanoma. It synthesizes experience from several outreach efforts that have resulted in sustained improvements in knowledge and self-skin examination behaviors. Data demonstrate that educational campaigns emphasizing increased knowledge about melanoma and self-screening practices correlate with thinner tumors. The editorial also confronts the lack of data around skin cancer screening per the US Preventative Services Task Force. It explains how we might address the issue to obtain solid evidence to back a recommendation for screening of high-risk populations in the future. Cost-efficacy of skin cancer screening is also addressed. Lastly, lessons learned from other cancers, particularly breast cancer, with respect to successful educational campaign creation and development of an effective cause marketing campaign for advocacy are discussed. Hypothetical ideas for a screening algorithm and for educational/media campaigns are presented with the hope of triggering thoughtful discussion and forward momentum.