Potential impact of interventions resulting in reduced exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation (UVA and UVB) on skin cancer incidence in four European countries, 2010-2050.

Background: Behavioural interventions to reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can reduce risk of skin cancer.

Objectives: To integrate the data and to evaluate the impact of interventions to limit exposure to UVR on skin cancer incidence in four selected countries.

Methods: Using PREVENT, a dynamic simulation model, we modelled the potential for skin cancer prevention in four European countries under various scenarios to avoid damage by UVR.

The patient journey: a report of skin cancer care across Europe.

Background: There are poorly documented variations in the journey a skin cancer patient will follow from diagnosis to treatment in the European Union.

Objectives: To investigate the possible difficulties or obstacles that a person with a skin malignancy in the European Union may have to overcome in order to receive adequate medical screening and care for his/her condition. In addition, we wished to explore differences in European health systems, which may lead to health inequalities and health inequities within Europe.

Risk factors for actinic keratosis in eight European centres: a case-control study.

Background: There are limited data regarding the association of actinic keratosis (AK) and other types of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC); studies investigating possible correlation of AK with melanocytic naevi are even scarcer. To our knowledge, there are no data examining the risk of AK in people using specific medications.

Objective: To investigate constitutional and exposure risk factors leading to AK and the coexistence of AK with NMSC and melanoma.

Assessing physicians' preferences on skin cancer treatment in Europe.

Background: A wide variety of both surgical and nonsurgical therapies is currently available for patients with skin cancer.

Objectives: This part of the EPIDERM (European Prevention Initiative for Dermatological Malignancies) project is aimed at the evaluation of the treatment preferences for skin cancer in eight countries of the European Union.

Methods: A multicentre hospital-based case-control study was carried out at dermatology departments in Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Malta, Poland, Scotland and Spain.

Health literacy, sunscreen and sunbed use: an uneasy association.

Background: Skin cancer can largely be prevented by avoiding unsafe ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. The evidence on potential drivers of sunscreen and sunbed use is extensive, yet in some cases, such as education, remains rather unclear. Health literacy is receiving increasing attention, but its effect on tanning decisions has not yet been explored.