Skin, sun and sense: an evaluation of a skin cancer prevention campaign

'Molewatch' was a public education campaign in West Glamorgan to raise the awareness of the general public about the dangers of excessive exposure to sunlight and to encourage the early detection of skin cancers, especially malignant melanomas. During 1995 a mobile trailer was used as a source of information for individuals, and also provided a focus for mass media attention. The evaluation reported here showed that media cove rage ensured that at least two million people had the opportunity to see or read about the campaign; 10,000 leaflets were distributed and the numbers referred to the dermatology clinic rose. Analysis of questionnaires ad ministered to visitors to the mobile trailer and six weeks after the campaign showed increased awareness about sun protection measures after the campaign, but no change in behaviour.