Factors related to being sunburnt in 7-year-old children in Sweden.

Background: Epidemiologic research shows that being sunburnt as a child is an important risk factor for cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM). The purpose of this study was to investigate sunburn in relation to tanning habits and complexion among 7-year-old children living at different latitudes in Sweden.

Methods: Two municipalities were chosen at latitudes 65 degrees N and 68 degrees N in the north of Sweden and two at latitude 57 degrees N in the south.