Impact of population skin cancer screening on melanoma mortality rates

In Germany, a population-based skin cancer screening (SCS) program was implemented in 2008. The program entitles men and women aged 35 years and older to a visual skin examination every 2 years; the 2-year participation rate was estimated at approximately 32%. A population-based, ecological comparative effectiveness study compared trends in melanoma mortality from 2009 to 2022 in Germany with those in 9 neighboring countries without population-based SCS. Data include a mean of 79.1 million inhabitants in Germany and 164.8 million inhabitants in neighboring countries. Between 2009 and 2022, age-standardized melanoma mortality rates decreased in each included region. In Germany, annual percentage changes (APCs) ranged from -3.8% (95% CI –5.5% to -2.2) to -0.1% (-1.7 to 1.5), whereas in the control regions APCs ranged from -3.8% (-4.9 to -2.7) to -1.0% (-1.9 to -0.2%). Pooled APC estimates are -1.8% (95% CI -2.3 to – 1.4) for Germany and -2.2% (-2.8 to -1.6) for the non-German control regions. The authors conclude that this study failed to show a melanoma mortality benefit associated with the German SCS program.