Publikation

Prevention campaign against skin cancer

Wissenschaftlicher Artikel/Review - 01.01.2002

Bereiche
PubMed

Zitation
Heinzerling L, Dummer R, Panizzon R, Bloch P, Barbezat R, Burg G, Task force 'swiss cancer' of the swiss cancer league. Prevention campaign against skin cancer. Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland) 2002; 205:229-33.
Art
Wissenschaftlicher Artikel/Review (Englisch)
Zeitschrift
Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland) 2002; 205
Veröffentlichungsdatum
01.01.2002
ISSN (Druck)
1018-8665
Seiten
229-33
Kurzbeschreibung/Zielsetzung

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.