Addressing overdiagnosis and overtreatment in cancer

Published data suggest a watch-and-wait approach for patients with non-melanoma skin cancer is often harmful to patients.2 Basal cell carcinoma grows rapidly--on average, doubling in size yearly. Non-melanoma skin cancers are increasing in the USA at epidemic proportions.4 Recent estimates also sugg...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The lancet oncology 2014-07, Vol.15 (8), p.e307-e307
Main Authors: Coldiron, Brett M, Mellette, J Ramsey, Hruza, George J, Helm, Thomas N, Garcia, Carlos A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cost control
Early Detection of Cancer - methods
Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine
Humans
Melanoma
Neoplasms - classification
Neoplasms - diagnosis
Precancerous Conditions - classification
Precancerous Conditions - diagnosis
Skin cancer
Sunscreen
Terminology as Topic
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Summary:Published data suggest a watch-and-wait approach for patients with non-melanoma skin cancer is often harmful to patients.2 Basal cell carcinoma grows rapidly--on average, doubling in size yearly. Non-melanoma skin cancers are increasing in the USA at epidemic proportions.4 Recent estimates also suggest that the number of fatalities per year from cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in the USA is approaching that of melanoma, and screening also has a positive effect on the early detection of these carcinomas.5 We dermatologists take very seriously our obligation to provide the highest standard of care by using appropriate, cost-effective treatment.
ISSN:1470-2045
1474-5488
DOI:10.1016/S1470-2045(14)70295-5