OBJECTIVES: The incidence of malignant melanoma has been continuously growing, however, early identification contributes significantly to its effective treatment. As a prerequisite, the individual needs to see a specialist soon after the recognition of the first symptoms. Therefore, the aim of our study is to disclose the factors and patient attitude behind seeing a specialist in case of skin deformation in order to establish the method for effective treatment. METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out among patients in four cities (n=280) who had been diagnosed with malignant melanoma within five years. Besides socio-demographic data, the questionnaire focused on the awareness and knowledge of the patient regarding melanoma, on risk factors, the general attitude of seeing doctors and that of delaying factors in respect of melanoma. Single and multiple logistic regression were used in statistical analysis. RESULTS: After the recognition of skin deformation only half of the patients visit a doctor within one year. The increase of latency (seeing a specialist more than three months after the incidence of the first symptoms) was 4-7 times more frequent among those who demonstrate anxiety and distress, feel exposed to doctors, lie in the sun without any control, lack awareness of the disease and have a lower rate of social support (p<0.01). The study also revealed the shortages of primary care (e.g.: insufficient examination, lack of information supply). Seeing a specialist in most of the cases was motivated by external factors. CONCLUSIONS: To estimate the benefit of developing programmes focusing on health behaviour and awareness building of the prevalence and incidence of malignant melanoma instead of facilitating several preventive interventional projects based on the screening of the population.