Heinzerling LM Dummer R Panizzon RG Bloch PH Barbezat R Burg G 2002 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. CONCLUSION 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. https://sonar.ch/global/documents/253127 eng info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/doi/10.1159/000065848 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pmid/12399668 Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland). - 2002 Female Health Promotion Humans Hutchinson's Melanotic Freckle Male Melanoma Risk Factors Sex Factors Skin Neoplasms Surveys and Questionnaires Switzerland Prevention campaign against skin cancer. http://purl.org/coar/resource_type/c_6501