The evidence

The case for early detection

Fifty years of evidence says the same thing: find skin cancer early and patients live.

Survival is a choice America already made

For localized melanoma, the five-year relative survival rate is 99%. After melanoma has spread to distant parts of the body, it is 35%. Early detection matters.

Dermatologists are the front line

Just 50 CPT codes comprise 98% of all procedural services performed by dermatologists for Medicare patients. 91% of those services are related to skin cancer treatment, prevention, and detection.

Early detection is also the fiscally responsible choice

An early-stage excision under local anesthetic at a dermatology office can cost less than $1,000. Late-stage melanoma treatment with immunotherapy can exceed $250,000.

99%

Caught early

Localized melanoma five-year relative survival.

35%

Caught late

Distant melanoma five-year relative survival.

<$1K or $250K+

Cost of care

Early-stage excision compared with late-stage immunotherapy.

The evidence says protect early detection. The proposed rule cuts it. Help us close that gap.

Sign the Community Statement

Your name on the statement helps lawmakers see how many people this reaches.