Educational level-dependent melanoma awareness in a high-risk population in Switzerland

by Selleckchem | Aug 07 2023

Introduction: The worldwide incidence of melanoma has been increasing rapidly in recent decades with Switzerland having one of the highest rates in Europe. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the main risk factors for skin cancer. Our objective was to investigate UV protective behavior and melanoma awareness in a high-risk cohort for melanoma.

Methods: In this prospective monocentric study, we assessed general melanoma awareness and UV protection habits in at-risk patients (≥100 nevi, ≥5 dysplastic nevi, known CDKN2A mutation, and/or positive family history) and melanoma patients using questionnaires.

Results: Between 01/2021 and 03/ 2022, a total of 269 patients (53.5% at-risk patients, 46.5% melanoma patients) were included. We observed a significant trend toward using a higher sun protection factor (SPF) in melanoma patients compared with at-risk patients (SPF 50+: 48% [n=60] vs. 26% [n=37]; p=0.0016). Those with a college or university degree used a high SPF significantly more often than patients with lower education levels (p=0.0007). However, higher educational levels correlated with increased annual sun exposure (p=0.041). Neither a positive family history for melanoma, nor gender or Fitzpatrick skin type influenced sun protection behavior. An age of ≥ 50 years presented as a significant risk factor for melanoma development with an odd's ratio of 2.32. Study participation resulted in improved sun protection behavior with 51% reporting more frequent sunscreen use after study inclusion.

Discussion: UV protection remains a critical factor in melanoma prevention. We suggest that melanoma awareness should continue to be raised through public skin cancer prevention campaigns with a particular focus on individuals with low levels of education.Introduction: The worldwide incidence of melanoma has been increasing rapidly in recent decades with Switzerland having one of the highest rates in Europe. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the main risk factors for skin cancer. Our objective was to investigate UV protective behavior and melanoma awareness in a high-risk cohort for melanoma.

Comments:

The study aimed to investigate UV protective behavior and melanoma awareness in a high-risk cohort for melanoma in Switzerland, which has one of the highest rates of melanoma in Europe. The researchers conducted a prospective monocentric study and collected data through questionnaires.

Between January 2021 and March 2022, a total of 269 patients were included in the study, with 53.5% classified as at-risk patients and 46.5% as melanoma patients. At-risk patients were defined as individuals with at least 100 nevi, at least 5 dysplastic nevi, a known CDKN2A mutation, and/or a positive family history of melanoma.

The results showed that melanoma patients tended to use a higher sun protection factor (SPF) compared to at-risk patients. Specifically, 48% of melanoma patients used SPF 50+ compared to 26% of at-risk patients, and this difference was statistically significant. The study also found that patients with a college or university degree were more likely to use a higher SPF than those with lower education levels. However, higher education levels were associated with increased annual sun exposure.

The researchers did not find any significant influence of a positive family history for melanoma, gender, or Fitzpatrick skin type on sun protection behavior. However, being aged 50 years or older was identified as a significant risk factor for melanoma development.

Interestingly, study participation itself resulted in improved sun protection behavior, with 51% of participants reporting more frequent sunscreen use after joining the study.

The findings highlight the importance of UV protection in melanoma prevention. The study suggests that raising melanoma awareness should be a focus of public skin cancer prevention campaigns, particularly targeting individuals with lower levels of education. By promoting the use of high SPF and educating the public about the risks of UV radiation, it may be possible to reduce the incidence of melanoma in high-risk populations.