Málaga records more than 600 melanoma cases each year, making it a key focus for a national prevention campaign. Olympic champion Carolina Marín urges regular skin checks and year-round sun protection. Local experts highlight persistent gaps in public awareness.
Málaga has become a focal point in Spain’s fight against melanoma, with more than 600 new cases reported annually in the province. This high incidence has led to the city being chosen as the second stop for the national campaign Objetivo Cero Melanoma 2026, which aims to raise awareness about early detection and prevention of skin cancer. Olympic badminton champion Carolina Marín visited Málaga to support the initiative, emphasizing the need for consistent sun protection and regular self-examination of the skin.
The campaign, led by Cantabria Labs and supported by the Fundación de la Academia Española de Dermatología y Venerología (AEDV) and the Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer (AECC), brings together over 40 dermatologists nationwide. Under the slogan «Deja a Cero el Melanoma», the event in Málaga highlighted the importance of identifying warning signs early and making skin checks a routine part of personal health care.
One of the central messages was the use of the ABCDE rule for monitoring moles: asymmetry, irregular borders, uneven color, diameter greater than six millimeters, and evolving appearance. Organizers noted that many people in Spain remain unfamiliar with these simple criteria, despite their effectiveness in catching melanoma at an early stage.
Carolina Marín shared how her approach to sun safety has evolved, stating that scientific evidence now makes it clear that sun protection should be a daily habit, not just reserved for occasional exposure. She also stressed the value of regular visits to a dermatologist, a practice she has integrated into her own routine.
Leandro Martínez, head of Dermatology at Hospital Regional de Málaga and director of Dermacenter, warned that melanoma can easily go unnoticed without regular skin checks. He pointed out that while public knowledge about prevention is growing, it has yet to translate into widespread daily habits. Martínez urged people to consult a dermatologist if they notice any changes or have concerns about their skin.
Isabel Orbe, General Director of the AECC, added that skin cancer remains one of the most preventable forms of cancer, yet its incidence continues to rise due to insufficient attention to sun safety. She called for greater public commitment to prevention measures.
Spain’s southern regions, including Málaga, face higher risks due to intense and prolonged sun exposure. The AECC’s data underscores the urgency of targeted campaigns in these areas. The focus on early detection and education is seen as crucial, especially as melanoma rates have steadily increased in recent years. For context, the importance of legal and health-related decisions in Spain has also been highlighted in other recent news, such as the Madrid court’s confirmation of a prison sentence for Toño Sanchís, reflecting the broader trend of public institutions addressing critical issues affecting citizens.
Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, but early detection significantly improves survival rates. The ABCDE rule is widely recommended by dermatologists worldwide. In Spain, public health campaigns increasingly focus on practical steps: using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, avoiding peak sun hours, and seeking medical advice for any suspicious skin changes. The ongoing campaign in Málaga is part of a broader national effort to reduce melanoma cases and promote healthier habits across the country.
