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Cancer Plan: Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in Maine and the United States. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, accounts for only 5% of all skin cancers but is responsible for 75% of all skin cancer deaths.66 Almost 400 Mainers will be diagnosed with melanoma in 2006.
According to the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), the evidence is lacking that skin examination by health care professionals is effective in reducing mortality or morbidity from skin cancer. Additionally, the USPSTF found that benefits from screening are unproven, even in high risk populations. However, health care professionals should be aware that fair-skinned men and women over age 65, patients with atypical moles and those with more than 50 moles are known groups at substantially increased risk for melanoma. Also, health care professionals should remain alert for skin lesions with malignant features noted in the context of physical examinations performed for other purposes.
Goal: To promote and support early detection of skin cancer in Maine by 2010.
Objective 1: Increase awareness of skin cancer prevention and detection through at least five annual education opportunities for Maine primary care physicians by 2010.
Strategies
- Survey hospitals to determine existing skin cancer education efforts.
- Develop and implement medical education for primary care providers in Maine.
- Develop and implement a pilot medical education distance learning activity for rural and island primary care physicians.
- Implement at least 2 skin cancer education presentations at primary care professional trade association meetings and/or grand rounds.
- Seek funding to develop and expand educational efforts.
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