Total Body Examinations Cut Melanoma Deaths in Half

The results of a recently-published study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD)show that regular total-body skin exams by physicians can cut melanoma deaths in half.  The study was conducted in Germany in 2003, and involved 360,388 patients, ages 20 and older.  During the yearlong investigation, 816 melanoms were found, which is about 200 more melanoms than were found each of the previous two years.  The results were so impressive that Germany began a national skin cancer screening program in 2008 for people aged 35 and older.  Early detection is the key to successful treatment of melanoma.  It is recommend that everyone receive a yearly total body skin examination from a physician, and to examine your own skin once a month.