Data and projections on the incidence of this cancer are presented briefly, along with risk factors (heredity, sun exposure), at-risk populations, and risky behaviors (excessive exposure to sunlight and artificial ultraviolet rays). In 1996, the Europe Against Cancer program launched an information campaign based on Recommendation No. 5 of the European Code Against Cancer: "Avoid excessive sun exposure and prevent sunburn, especially during childhood." The article provides a brief overview of the events organized in France as part of this campaign: private initiatives (the Sanofi Association “Vaincre le mélanome” with the assistance of pharmacists and doctors, the Epidaure Center in Montpellier, etc.) or public initiatives (actions by the DRASS and DDASS in collaboration with the network of health education committees, educational activities in elementary and middle schools, etc.). Accompanying the article is a commentary by Dr. Avril, a dermatologist at the Gustave Roussy Institute, on the importance of early melanoma screening, a presentation of the results of the Sanofi/IPSOS survey on French people’s knowledge and attitudes regarding the harmful effects of the sun, a description of the Minitel service 36 15 COUP DE SOLEIL, established to provide information on regional variations in the UV index during the summer months.