Prevention campaign against skin cancer.
BACKGROUND
The melanoma incidence has increased over recent decades. Educational campaigns aim to encourage protection from the sun and early detection of melanoma.


METHODS
During a campaign in Switzerland, information on risk factors, sun protection and melanoma prevention was distributed. 10987 people completed a questionnaire regarding risk factors, and 2746 people were examined by a dermatologist.


RESULTS
Men had a higher risk as assessed by skin type, ultraviolet exposure, family history, number of moles and sunburns during childhood. Changes in moles were reported significantly more often by people with: (1). a positive family history (p < 0.0001); (2). multiple moles (p < 0.0001), and (3). sunburns during childhood (p < 0.0001). A precancerous or cancerous condition was suspected in 16% of individuals examined.


CONCLUSIONS
Early detection of melanoma can be achieved by this type of campaign. Primary prevention is a long-term approach and educational efforts targeting risk groups must be continued.
Heinzerling
L M
LM
Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zürich, Switzerland.
Dummer
R
R
Panizzon
R G
RG
Bloch
P H
PH
Barbezat
R
R
Burg
G
G
D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D018327:Hutchinson's Melanotic Freckle / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013557:Switzerland