The risk of malignant melanoma in the Czech Republic: the thickness of the ozone layer, erythemal UV radiation and the incidence of malignant melanoma
2012
Abstract
The epidemiological data confirm that the major environmental risk factor for cutaneous melanoma (CM) is UV radiation, and it is cumulative dose (sun exposure during whole life) and intermittent sun exposure (sunburns episodes). As the Czech Republic reported one of the highest incidence rates in CM in Europe, which continues to rise, investigation of the association between stratospheric ozone depletion, increase of erythemal ultraviolet radiation and dramatic growth of CM incidence was conducted in our study.
Primary and secondary prevention campaigns are essential for further reduction of the incidence and mortality from CM in the Czech Republic in the future.