Prevention campaign against skin cancer.

Heinzerling LM; Dummer R; Panizzon RG; Bloch PH; Barbezat R; Burg G

doi:10.1159/000065848

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Journal article

Prevention campaign against skin cancer.

Heinzerling LM Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zürich, Switzerland.
Dummer R
Panizzon RG
Bloch PH
Barbezat R
Burg G

2002-10-26

Published in:

Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland). - 2002

Hutchinson's Melanotic Freckle

English 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.

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