Final Recommendation Statement: Skin Cancer Prevention: Behavioral Counseling - US Preventive Services Task Force

Final Recommendation Statement: Skin Cancer Prevention: Behavioral Counseling - US Preventive Services Task Force

Final Recommendation Statement: Behavioral Counseling to Prevent Skin Cancer

Final Recommendation Statement: Behavioral Counseling to Prevent Skin Cancer The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released today a final recommendation statement on behavioral counseling to prevent skin cancer. The Task Force found that clinicians should provide counseling to anyone with a fair skin type between the ages of 6 months and 24 years. To view the recommendation and the evidence on which it is based, please go here. The final recommendation statement can also be found in the March 20 online issue of JAMA. The Final Recommendation Statement Is Available

FINAL RECOMMENDATION SUMMARY See the full statement

Population Recommendation Grade Young adults, adolescents, children, and parents of young children The USPSTF recommends counseling young adults, adolescents, children, and parents of young children about minimizing exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation for persons aged 6 months to 24 years with fair skin types to reduce their risk of skin cancer. B Adults older than 24 years with fair skin types The USPSTF recommends that clinicians selectively offer counseling to adults older than 24 years with fair skin types about minimizing their exposure to UV radiation to reduce risk of skin cancer. Existing evidence indicates that the net benefit of counseling all adults older than 24 years is small. In determining whether counseling is appropriate in individual cases, patients and clinicians should consider the presence of risk factors for skin cancer. C Adults The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of counseling adults about skin self-examination to prevent skin cancer. I

WHY THIS MATTERS

"Clinicians should counsel children, their parents, and young adults about sun protective behaviors. Doing things like using sunscreen, wearing sun-protective clothing, and avoiding indoor tanning can help prevent skin cancer later in life,” says Task Force member John W. Epling, Jr., M.D., M.S.Ed.

WHERE WE ARE IN THE PROCESS

Draft Research Plan Final Research Plan Draft Recommendation / Draft Evidence Review  Final Recommendation / Evidence Summary