Overview of skin cancer detection and prevention for the primary care physician

The incidence of both melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer is increasing, a nd an accurate and timely diagnosis is important to reduce the morbidity an d mortality associated with these malignancies. Clinical features and exami nation techniques are discussed, and the need to recognize important second ary tumor characteristics, which supplement the primary diagnosis, is revie wed. Recent evidence on etiologic factors and their importance are addresse d to highlight the role of primary prevention. Pediatricians, family physic ians, and all primary care physicians are encouraged to promote skin cancer awareness among children and their parents.