Educating people about importance of photoprotection: results of campaign on the islands in Dubrovnik area

After an increasing number of skin cancer cases and some skin cancer deaths among young people in Dubrovnik area had been noted, a field research was done in the period from 2003 to 2007. The examinations were done on the islands in Dubrovnik area (Korcula, Mljet, Lopud, Sipan, Kolocep and on the peninsula Peljesac). Research tasks were collecting information on sun-protection behaviors and attitudes and usage of sun protecting factor products, detection of the presence of skin cancer in the area and advising those diagnosed ill about further medical procedure, educating and informing local population as well as local physicians in the area with investigation results. In spite of wide media campaign, more then half of examined people did not use sun protective factor (SPF) products. It can be concluded that better education about damaging effects of ultraviolet radiations as well as further education how to properly protect its adverse effects is required.