We report a questionnaire-based survey of parents of schoolchildren to assess the impact of Sun Awareness Week, organized by the U.K. Skin Cancer Working Party, from 4 to 10 June 1995.

A questionnaire was designed, pre-tested and modified.

Nine hundred and eighty-nine parents of schoolchildren were approached before and after Sun Awareness Week at eight comprehensive primary schools and a children's clothes shop.

Responses to the questionnaires were analysed in the following categories : total knowledge, sunscreen knowledge, melanoma risk factor knowledge, attitude, self-reported behaviour and awareness of the link between childhood sun exposure and cancer (link).

A reasonable level of knowledge was demonstrated in the sample population.

Significant improvements in attitude and behaviour scores were observed (P<0.05).

Three of the four link questions were significantly improved (P<0.005).

These results were not explained by differences in age, sex or occupation between the before and after populations.

Further national studies are needed to establish long-term benefits of such interventions.