Parental sun-protective regimens and prevalence of common melanocytic naevi among 7-year-old children in Sweden: changes over a 5-year period

Summary Background Common melanocytic naevi and cutaneous malignant melanoma share a common risk profile, influenced by ultraviolet radiation exposure. A high density of common melanocytic naevi correlates with an increased lifetime risk of developing cutaneous malignant melanoma. Effective strategies for sun protection, starting in early childhood, are considered of great importance to reduce the steadily rising melanoma trend. Objectives To investigate the 5‐year changes in sun tanning habits, sun‐protective regimens and density of common melanocytic naevi between two age‐standardized populations of children. Methods Population‐based cross‐sectional study performed among 7‐year‐old children in southern Sweden in 2002 and 2007. The parents answered a questionnaire and all children were examined by the same, trained research nurse. Results In total, 1190 children were enrolled: 681 in 2002 and 509 in 2007. The results showed that sun‐protective regimens, such as use of sunscreen (+29%), clothing (+30%), staying in the shade (+123%) or indoors (+136%) during peak sun hours, had all increased significantly (P