Melanoma Is Epidemic. Or Is It?
Section titled “Melanoma Is Epidemic. Or Is It?”We are publishing this extra edition of Medicine for People to give you a "heads up" about breaking news on melanoma screening. In a study published in the current edition of the British Medical Journal, Gilbert Welch MD of Dartmouth Medical School questions the existence of an "epidemic" of melanoma. He points to evidence that we are merely discovering earlier and less aggressive stages, at a cost of billions of dollars. You can read Dr. Welch's arguments (and counter arguments from the American Cancer Society) in a New York Times article "Melanoma Is Epidemic. Or Is It?" which may be available for free on the web.
Take-home message: a skin exam should be part of your annual physical with your primary-care physician. In addition, see your physician for a suspicious mole or change in your skin. But a melanoma epidemic? Find something else to worry about.
CJK March 16, 2006