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Copyright @ Pol J Cosmetol
Pol J Cosmetol 2019, 22(2): 154-160pl  Public awareness of melanoma - is it possible to reduce morbidity?Magda Pawlicka, Agata Filip Zakład Genetyki Nowotworów z Pracownią Cytogenetyczną Katedry Genetyki Medycznej Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Lublinie Summary Introduction. Melanoma is a malignant tumor derived from melanocytes, most often related to the skin. In the recent years, the incidence of this cancer has increased threefold. Melanoma is the most common cause of death in relation to the four most common skin cancers (basal cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis, squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma), although it occurs least frequently. It is a very dangerous cancer that quickly spreads through the lymphatic and blood vessels to form metastases. One of the main factors contributing to the development of melanoma is exposure to natural and artificial UV radiation. Other very important factors that increase the risk of melanoma are a genetic predisposition and a high number of melanocytic nevi. Early detection of melanoma is associated with better prognosis and greater chances of cure. Therefore, informing people about a risk factors and the first symptoms that should be worrying, can significantly contribute to the progress in implementation of preventive actions and the fight against melanoma. Aim. The aim of the survey was to evaluate public knowledge about melanoma, its symptoms, risk factors and basic preventive actions related to them. Material and methods. The group of respondents comprised 103 people in the 20-35 age group, living in the area of south-eastern Poland. The research was carried out using a diagnostic survey. Results. The group of respondents showed a high level of knowledge regarding basic melanoma information. The respondents showed deficiencies in the knowledge of predisposing factors, methods of diagnosis, treatment and early prevention of melanoma. Conclusions. The knowledge of the population living in south-eastern Poland in the 20-35 age group on melanoma is insufficient. Therefore, reducing the incidence of melanoma in Poland requires the creation of a recovery program. Key words: melanoma, prevention, UV radiation, sun protection |