Screening and early detection of skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. US incidence of malignant melanoma is increasing faster than any other type of cancer. To minimize increasing morbidity and mortality rates, it is imperative that appropriate screening and early detection of skin cancer become more widespread. All physicians who see patients clinically have the potential for detecting skin cancers. The scope of skin cancer as a health-care problem is discussed. Evidence for the effectiveness and necessity of skin cancer screening and early detection is presented. Costs of screening and detection are discussed in relation to impact on treatment costs and overall costs of skin cancer burden. Current methods and recommendations for skin cancer screening and detection are reviewed, especially with regard to individuals and populations that may require more specialized or intensive screening and follow-up. Newer approaches involving instrument-assisted screening and detection of skin cancer are under intense development, and these exciting emerging technologies are reviewed.