[Health consciousness and risk behavior of prostitutes].

Regular examinations of prostitutes may reduce the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases in this high risk group. Therefore since April 1988 regular mandatory examinations have been offered by the regional health office in cooperation with the Department of Dermatology of the Ruhr-University of Bochum. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptance and efficiency of such an examination.

Increase of melanocytic nevus counts in children during 5 years of follow-up and analysis of associated factors.

Objectives: To investigate nevus development in childhood and to examine causative related factors such as pigment phenotype and the role of sun exposure in the development of melanocytic nevi.

Design And Participants: Nevus counts were performed in kindergarteners (n = 866) before the age of 7 years and again 5 years later (n = 377). Eligible for analysis were 357 children who were examined twice.

A local education campaign on early diagnosis of malignant melanoma.

The growing incidence of all kinds of skin cancer is a worldwide phenomenon observed in the last decades. Malignant melanoma is of special concern because of its high death rate when in an advanced stage, poor therapeutic response and fast growing incidence. Malignant melanoma is primarily located on the skin and therefore well suited for early cancer detection.

[The 1990 Bochum cholesterol and blood screening program. Incidence and degree of treatment of cardiovascular risk factors].

Study: Over a four-week period, 1,454 inhabitants of the town of Bochum (567 men = 39%, 887 women = 61%) were screened for cardiovascular risk factors. The sample was recruited from voluntary participants, two-thirds of whom were aged between 50 and 69.

Results: Age-adjusted mean total plasma cholesterol levels were 223 mg/dl for women, and 218 mg/dl for men.

[1989 Bochum health education program for malignant melanoma].

The incidence rate of all skin cancer forms has been increasing during the last few decades. The incidence of malignant melanoma is important due to its very high malignancy and its growing spread especially among young patients. Malignant melanoma is mainly observed on the external skin and is therefore well suited for screening methods.