Vol. 205, No. 3, 2002 

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Clinical and Laboratory Investigations

Prevention Campaign against Skin Cancer
L.M. Heinzerling^a, R. Dummer^a, R.G. Panizzon^b, P.H. Bloch^c, R. Barbezat^d, G. Burg^a, and the task force 'Swiss Cancer' of the Swiss Cancer League

^aDepartment of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zürich,
^bService de dermato-vénéréologie, Département de médecine, Centre hospitalier universitaire vaudois, Lausanne,
^cPrivate practice, Solothurn, and
^dSwiss Cancer League, Bern, Switzerland
 

Address of Corresponding Author

Dermatology 2002;205:229-233 (DOI: 10.1159/000065848)

  Abstract

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. 10,987 people completed a questionnaire regarding risk factors, and 2,746 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.

Copyright © 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Prof. Günter Burg
Dermatologische Klinik, Universitätsspital Zürich
Gloriastrasse 31
CH-8091 Zürich (Switzerland)
Tel. +41 1 255 25 07, Fax +41 1 255 44 18, E-Mail burg@derm.unizh.ch

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Copyright © 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel