Euromelanoma: a dermatology-led European campaign against nonmelanoma skin cancer and cutaneous melanoma. Past, present and future

Br J Dermatol. 2012 Aug:167 Suppl 2:99-104. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2012.11092.x.

Abstract

Euromelanoma is a dermatologist-led skin cancer prevention programme conducting an annual screening and public education campaign in over 20 European countries. Within its 10-year history, Euromelanoma has screened over 260,000 individuals across Europe, detecting a significant number of cutaneous melanomas and nonmelanoma skin cancers, identifying high-risk individuals for further surveillance and promoting awareness on the suspicious features of melanoma and the hazardous effects of ultraviolet exposure. In this review article, we summarize the history of the Euromelanoma campaign, present its organizational structure and discuss the results of the campaign in individual countries and on a European scale. Euromelanoma has had a significant impact on melanoma prevention and early diagnosis in participating countries and, despite many challenges, has positively influenced public health attitudes towards regular mole examination and the implementation of preventive measures against skin cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Early Detection of Cancer / methods
  • Early Detection of Cancer / trends*
  • Europe
  • Female
  • Forecasting
  • Health Promotion / organization & administration
  • Health Promotion / trends*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma / prevention & control*
  • Skin Neoplasms / prevention & control*