Early detection of melanoma: an educational campaign in Padova, Italy

To evaluate a public campaign for the early referral and treatment of cutan eous melanoma, an educational programme based on self-selection by subjects was organized in Padova, Italy in 1991. In the period from 1991 to 1996, 9 0,000 leaflets containing information on naevi, melanoma and skin self-exam ination were mailed to each household, reaching a population of 243,000 sub jects. A total of 2050 individuals requested a skin check as a result of th e leaflet. Most were at low risk, the majority being female (68%) and aged under 40 years (51.6%), with no risk factors (58.3%). One hundred and ninet y subjects were referred for surgery for pigmented and non-pigmented suspec t lesions. Histological diagnoses, obtained for all lesions, comprised 13 m elanomas, 17 dysplastic naevi, 17 basocellular carcinomas, 140 pigmented be nign lesions and three lesions of other types. The percentage of thin melan omas (< 1.50 mm) was 92.3%. Three hundred and fifty patients considered at risk at the first skin examination attended regular follow-up examinations. The sensitivity and predictive positive value of the visual examination we re 92.8% and 6.8%, respectively. The impact of this campaign was evaluated in the Local Health District of Padova, comparing data from the pre campaig n period (1987-1990) with those from the campaign period (1991-1996); a tre nd towards a lower stage was observed (mean thickness 2.0 mm versus 1.50 mm ; P < 0.02). (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.