Follow-up and evaluation of skin cancer screening in British Columbia

Abstract

Background: Skin cancer screening is thought to be a useful public health tool for the early detection of skin cancers. However, few studies have reported on follow-up and outcome of subjects who have a positive screen.

Objective: The aims of this study were to evaluate attendance at skin cancer screening clinics in British Columbia for the period 1994 and 1995 and to assess follow-up outcome among participants who were identified to have a potentially serious skin lesion that warranted further medical review.

Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was sent to participants screening positive for skin cancer and to their attending physicians.

Results: Five hundred twenty people were screened. Of these, 105 were referred for evaluation of a potential malignancy or precursor lesion. One melanoma, 3 basal cell carcinomas, 4 atypical nevi, and 1 actinic keratosis were histologically confirmed in 76 referred participants for whom follow-up information was available. The positive predictive values ranged from 17% to 89% depending on the screening diagnosis. Several false-positive results and one false-negative result were observed. Reasons for not seeking recommended follow-up were addressed.

Conclusions: Our yield and positive predictive values for different screening diagnoses were virtually identical to those previously reported in larger US studies. Improved communication between screening physicians and screening participants may improve follow-up rates in those people who would benefit from further medical care.