Position statement - Screening and early detection of skin cancer

• Survival from melanoma is strongly associated with depth of invasion; deeper and thicker melanomas are more likely to metastasise and be more difficult to treat. Thus, early detection is important. • Population-based screening, however, is not recommended for melanoma or other skin cancers, due to insufficient evidence that it reduces mortality. • The majority of melanomas are detected by patients themselves, or their partners. However, melanomas detected by physicians tend to be thinner. • Beyond adequate sun protection, competent, whole body skin examination and dermoscopy for suspicious lesions, no examination or technology has proven value for reducing the harm caused by skin cancer.