title: Ultraviolet Exposure and Protection Behavior in the General Population: A Structured Interview Survey.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a known and controllable risk factor for skin cancer.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To study the UV exposure and protection behavior of the general population.
  
  
  METHODS
  Structured interview survey.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A random sample of 865 volunteers from the EDEN (European Dermato-Epidemiology Network) Fragrance Study cohort was recruited. The individual skin type did not influence the occupation or leisure. The proportion of people who regularly used sunscreens was lower in the oldest age groups, where the risk of skin cancer is highest. Women used sunscreens significantly more frequently than men did and were more likely to have their moles checked by a specialist.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A demand for public information on the risk factors for skin cancer and the role of protection was demonstrated by our study. The subpopulation of aged men represents a relevant target group for educational public campaigns on skin cancer risk avoidance.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany.
authors.forename: Dimitar
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Antonov
authors.forename: Melanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hollunder
authors.forename: Sibylle
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schliemann
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Elsner
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D015438:Health Behavior; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000069079:Radiation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D013473:Sunscreening Agents