title: Risk factors for malignant melanoma and preventive methods.
abstract: UV radiation is an important environmental risk factor for cutaneous melanoma; however, information concerning UV exposure in many populations is lacking. The aim of our study was to investigate risk factors for malignant melanoma (MM), particularly those related to UV exposure behavior in the Czech Republic and Germany. This case-control study included 207 patients who were consecutively diagnosed with MM in 2 dermatology clinics in Prague, Czech Republic, and Munich, Germany. Controls were 235 patients with other dermatologic conditions. All 442 participants completed a questionnaire on sociodemographic data and factors related to UV exposure. The association between risk factors and MM was assessed using multivariate logistic regression. Patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I and II had a higher likelihood of developing melanoma than those with Fitzpatrick skin type III. Frequent sunburns during childhood and adolescence were strongly related to developing melanoma. A higher level of education also was associated with a higher melanoma incidence. Variables related to UV exposure were strongly associated with melanoma in our study population. Prevention campaigns should be implemented to improve awareness of melanoma to reduce exposure to UV radiation among high-risk patient populations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Ludwig Maximilian University, Frauenlobstrasse 9-11, 80337 Munich, Germany. Daniela.Kulichova@med.uni-muenchen.de.
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kulichová
authors.forename: Jana
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dáňová
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kunte
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ruzicka
authors.forename: Alexander M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Celko
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D018153:Czech Republic / Q000453:epidemiology; D003710:Demography; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013471:Sunburn / Q000150:complications*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000096142:Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma