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The Healthy People 2000 initiative challenges the United States to improve the health profile of Americans through a prevention agenda targeting improvements in health status and health service delivery and reduction of risk for disease and disability. Clinical laboratories play an important role in achieving these national health goals and objectives. Many specific objectives directly target improved laboratory services, whereas others are fundamentally dependent on access to better laboratory services. The effectiveness of preventive services (i.e., screening tests, immunizations, and counseling) in reducing morbidity and mortality is well documented. In addition to ensuring quality laboratory services through accurate and reliable screening tests, a unique challenge for clinical laboratories is meeting the critical need for improving communication of complete and necessary laboratory information among laboratories, providers, and patients to enhance patient counseling. The challenges facing clinical laboratories as we approach the year 2000 are complex, but the commitment of the laboratory community is essential.

In recognition of continuing increases in the incidence of skin cancer, including malignant melanoma, the American Academy of Dermatology has encouraged dermatologic communities nationwide to offer free skin cancer screening to the public. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center took part in one such effort last spring. This article summarizes the results of a survey of that center's participants. The data revealed that more than 90% of their attendees learned of the screening through the mass media. Most participants came in response to concern over a specific lesion. A significant association was found to exist between prescreening reports of high-risk perceptions and the subsequent discovery by physicians of malignant or premalignant conditions. These and other findings are discussed, with suggestions being made for future screenings.