Why is early detection of skin cancer important?

Early detection of skin cancer significantly improves treatment success rates and can save lives.

• The principle is straightforward: the sooner skin cancer is identified, the less advanced it is, and the simpler it is to treat effectively. Skin cancer, being one of the more visible forms of cancer, presents an opportunity for early detection through vigilant self-examination and professional skin assessments.
• Evidence from research underscores the value of early detection. Individuals who regularly conduct self-examinations are often diagnosed at earlier stages, when melanomas are thinner and outcomes are more favorable. Despite the proven benefits of regular skin checks, a significant portion of the population at risk does not engage in frequent self-examination.

This is where SkinVision makes a difference. Our tool enhances the ability to perform accurate self-examinations, improving on what many individuals and even professionals can achieve on their own. By facilitating early detection, SkinVision plays a crucial role in the fight against skin cancer.

In essence, early detection is crucial for effective intervention in skin cancer. SkinVision empowers users to detect skin cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages, contributing to better health outcomes.

The good news is, skin cancers, including melanoma, usually show up right where we can see them—on our skin. This visibility is a powerful tool for early detection, allowing both you and healthcare experts to spot any concerning changes sooner rather than later. Engaging in patient skin self-examination (SSE), having regular physician-directed total-body skin exams (TBSE), and learning more about skin health are key practices that can make all the difference.

But don't just take our word for it; research supports the life-saving power of early detection:

• A 2003 study found that individuals who regularly perform SSE are often diagnosed with thinner melanomas (indicating earlier detection) compared to those who don't (0.77 mm vs. 0.95 mm thickness).^1
• The largest population-based study of melanoma patients in Queensland, Australia, revealed that SSE leads to the detection of melanomas with a more favorable depth distribution (i.e., thinner tumors) than those found incidentally.^2

Despite these encouraging findings, a 2004 study showed that only 28.1% of patients who developed melanoma performed SSE regularly.^3 This highlights a significant gap in skin cancer prevention efforts.

That's where SkinVision comes into the picture. Our mission is to make SSE not just easier, but also more accurate—surpassing what the average eye or even a dermatologist might catch. By equipping you with the right tools and information, we aim to empower you in the early detection and, ultimately, the effective management of skin cancer.

References:

1. Carli P, De Giorgi V, Palli D, et al. Dermatologist detection and skin self-examination are associated with thinner melanomas: results from a survey of the Italian multi-disciplinary group on melanoma. Arch Dermatol 2003; 139:607-612.

2. McPherson M, Elwood M, English DR, et al. Presentation and detection of invasive melanoma in a high-risk population. J Am Acad Dermatol 2006; 54:783-792.

3. Carli P, De Giorgi V, Palli D, et al. Self-detected cutaneous melanomas in Italian patients. Clin Exp Dermatol 2004; 29:593-596.