OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to assess the diagnostic delay and the associated factors in patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma. METHODS: We carried out a survey including medical record analysis in patients diagnosed within five years with cutaneous malignant melanoma at the Pécs Dermatological Clinic (n=362).The study investigated the diagnostic delay, its risk factors as clinical and histological characteristics of the tumor, and patients’ sociodemographic factors. Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskall-Vallis test was used with 95% probability level (p<0.05). RESULTS:  relatives to examine themselves. The most common site of prevalence was the lower limb in females (78.5% of cases); the trunk in males (61.3% of cases) (p<0.001). The most common symptom observed by patients was the increase in lesion size (50.3%). Its prevalence on the lower limb (p=0.01) and the increase in lesion size (p<0.001) was associated with significantly longer delay. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides essential information for developing education campaigns in the future involving awareness promotion related to lesions perceived as minor significance. The present study emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and skills in the early detection of tumors. Prevention should be a decisive factor in primary care.