In Sweden, individuals with dysplastic naevus syndrome are regularly s
creened and informed about self-examination and sun-protection at spec
ial clinics, This study describes sun-related behaviour in this group.
A total of 54/65 consecutive patients with dysplastic naevus syndrome
(28 women and 26 men) completed diary recordings of sun-related behav
iour during 1 month in 1994. A majority (81%) reported sunbathing with
the intention to get a tan, mean number of occasions 9.2, range 1-24
occasions, during the month of recordings. Out of these, 61% reported
sunburns, some of them repeatedly up to 7 times, Sunbathing occurred m
ainly in bathing suits during midday in sunny weather, with a mean dur
ation of 2.5 h per occasion. Such a hazardous behaviour in the sun in
a melanoma high risk group is alarming, New models for intervention to
support a more sun protective life style in this group of patient hav
e to be elaborated.