Skin cancer screening--a local experience

During a local voluntary Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection Week, 983 participants were screened with 356 (36%) referrals made to exclude possible malignancy of the skin. The median age of the screened participants was 59 years, with actinic keratosis (62%) the most common referral diagnosis. Referrals for presumptive clinical diagnoses of basal cell carcinomas and malignant melanomas numbered 28% and 8%, respectively. Through the support of the local media and a central organized format, local skin cancer detection programs can successfully screen large numbers of participants. These examinations provide maximum visibility for dermatologists while meeting the primary goals of early disease detection and enhancing public awareness of skin cancer and the harmful effects of actinic radiation.