Risk Factors for Malignant Melanoma and Preventive Methods

UV radiation is an important environmental risk factor for cutaneous melanoma; however, information concerning UV exposure in many populations is lacking. The aim of our study was to investigate risk factors for malignant melanoma (MM), particularly those related to UV exposure behavior in the Czech Republic and Germany. This case-control study included 207 patients who were consecutively diagnosed with MM in 2 dermatology clinics in Prague, Czech Republic, and Munich, Germany. Controls were 235 patients with other dermatologic conditions. All 442 participants completed a questionnaire on sociodemographic data and factors related to UV exposure. The association, between risk factors and MM was assessed using multivariate logistic regression. Patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I and II had a higher likelihood of developing melanoma than those with Fitzpatrick skin type III. Frequent sunburns during childhood and adolescence were strongly related to developing melanoma. A higher level of education also was associated with a higher melanoma incidence. Variables related to UV exposure were strongly associated with melanoma in our study population. Prevention campaigns should be implemented to improve awareness of melanoma to reduce exposure to UV radiation among high-risk patient populations.