Abstract
Background
Skin cancer is the most common malignancy with rising incidence. Although early detection can be lifesaving, prevention programmes are under-utilized. In 2008, a group of board-certified dermatologists in Switzerland established a website aimed at educating about skin cancer risk factors and providing guidance on self-assessment.
Objectives
To present the data of this programme over the last 10 years with regards to representation of the targeted groups and sustained impact on primary skin cancer prevention.
Materials & Methods
A comprehensive web-based health promotion campaign was established for education and guidance on self-assessment. Teledermatological evaluation was offered and participants were then interviewed.
Results
In total, 11,171 digital photos were evaluated during 2008–2018; 54.3% (n = 6,067) from females and 45.7% (n = 5,104) from males. In 26.7% (n = 2,983), clinical examination was recommended. Of the participants, 1,874 replied revealing 103 malignancies (9.2% of the lesions were presented to a physician): 34 melanomas in situ, six squamous cell carcinomas, 53 basal cell carcinomas and 10 malignant lesions (not further specified). Of the participants, 40.5% (n = 683) changed their attitude towards sun exposure, 48.7% (n = 820) used more sunscreen, and 57.5% (n = 966) improved sunscreen measures.
Conclusion
Web-based educational programmes raise public awareness, enhance prevention, and support early diagnosis of skin cancer. Teledermatology might contribute to reducing skin cancer mortality rates
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Financial support: MySkincheck was launched by La Roche-Posay Switzerland, L’Oréal Active Cosmetics. There were not financial supports concerning the survey. Conflicts of interest: Prof. Dummer has intermittent projects focused on consulting and/or advisory relationships with Novartis, Merck Sharp & Dhome (MSD), Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS), Roche, Amgen, Takeda, Pierre Fabre, Sun Pharma, Sanofi, Catalym, Second Genome, Regeneron, and Alligator outside the submitted work. Dr. Imhof has intermittent projects focused on consulting and/or advisory relationships with Galderma, outside the submitted work.
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Meyer, S.R., Rudzki-Senet, A., Emde, NL. et al. Results of a 10-year web-based health promotion campaign against skin cancer in Switzerland. Eur J Dermatol 31, 530–537 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1684/ejd.2021.4094
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1684/ejd.2021.4094