Málaga Records Around 600 Melanoma Cases Every Year as Sun-Safety Campaign Expands

Around 600 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed in the province of Málaga every year, highlighting the importance of sun protection in an area where residents and visitors spend a significant amount of time outdoors.

In response, Málaga City Council and the Spanish Association Against Cancer have launched a new campaign to encourage safer habits in the sun. The initiative will run from June to August at beaches and swimming pools across the city and other municipalities in the province.

The programme will take prevention advice directly to places where sun exposure is highest. It will include educational activities, interactive games and awareness initiatives designed for people of different ages, with particular attention given to the most vulnerable groups.

Melanoma Remains a Major Health Concern in Málaga

Figures released during the presentation of the campaign show that the incidence of melanoma in Andalusia stands at between 10 and 12.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. More than 2,300 cases of other skin tumours are also recorded across the region.

In Málaga province, approximately 600 melanoma cases are diagnosed annually. Although melanoma is not the most common form of skin cancer, it is considered one of the most serious because it can spread to other parts of the body when it is not detected and treated at an early stage.

Across Spain, close to 21,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed every year. More than 7,000 of these are melanomas, while other types of skin cancer account for over 14,000 cases annually.

According to figures shared by the Spanish Association Against Cancer, skin cancer diagnoses have increased by approximately 40% over the past four years.

These statistics underline the need to make sun protection part of everyday life rather than limiting it to days spent at the beach or swimming pool.

Campaign to Visit Beaches and Swimming Pools Across the Province

The initiative will take the form of a tour of popular bathing areas and other locations with high visitor numbers.

In Málaga city, activities will be held at beaches including La Malagueta, La Misericordia, El Palo and Guadalmar.

The campaign will also visit coastal and inland municipalities across the province, including Nerja, Fuengirola, Mijas, Estepona and Rincón de la Victoria.

Educational workshops, interactive activities and games focused on sun protection will be organised at these locations. Some of the programme will be specifically designed for children and teenagers, who are among the groups most vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation.

The aim is to communicate prevention advice in an accessible and engaging way by taking the campaign directly to the places where people are most exposed to the sun during the summer.

“Al Sol con Crema” Returns to Málaga’s Beaches

The campaign will also bring back “Al sol con crema”, a song created to communicate sun-safety advice in an easy-to-remember format.

The song and prevention messages will once again be played through public address systems at several beaches in Málaga.

The initiative aims to remind beachgoers that enjoying the summer is fully compatible with taking responsible steps to protect their skin.

The campaign will be supported by workshops, public information activities and digital communication initiatives.

How to Protect Your Skin from the Sun

The Spanish Association Against Cancer stresses that many cases of skin cancer can be prevented by reducing exposure to ultraviolet radiation and following appropriate sun-protection measures.

One of the main recommendations is to avoid direct sunlight between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., when ultraviolet radiation can reach its highest levels.

People who need to remain outdoors should seek shade whenever possible and wear clothing that covers and protects the skin. Hats and approved sunglasses can also help protect some of the most exposed areas.

A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher should be used and reapplied regularly, particularly after swimming, sweating or drying the skin with a towel.

Sunscreen should not be viewed as permission to remain in the sun for longer. It should be combined with shade, protective clothing and reduced exposure during the middle of the day.

The organisation also advises against using tanning beds, as they expose the skin to ultraviolet radiation and contribute to cumulative damage.

Sun-Safety Habits Should Begin in Childhood

The campaign will place particular emphasis on children and teenagers.

Damage caused by ultraviolet radiation builds up over time, meaning that sunburn and intense exposure during childhood can have consequences later in life.

Teaching children to use sunscreen, wear hats and protective clothing, and seek shade helps to make these measures a normal part of outdoor activities.

Families, schools, public authorities and social organisations all play an important role in encouraging these habits among younger generations.

Changes in the Skin Should Not Be Ignored

Prevention should also include regularly checking the skin.

Any new lesion or noticeable change in a mole should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Changes in shape, size or colour, irregular borders, bleeding, persistent itching or unusual development are among the warning signs that should receive medical attention.

These symptoms do not necessarily mean that a person has melanoma, but they do justify a medical consultation. Early detection is especially important because it can improve the prognosis and make treatment more effective.

Enjoying the Summer Without Neglecting Skin Health

Málaga’s high levels of sun exposure make prevention particularly important during the summer, although skin protection should be maintained throughout the year.

Through this campaign, Málaga City Council and the Spanish Association Against Cancer aim to deliver a clear message: beaches, swimming pools and outdoor activities can be enjoyed without taking unnecessary risks.

Avoiding the hours of strongest radiation, seeking shade, wearing suitable clothing and applying sunscreen correctly are simple measures that can significantly reduce sun-related skin damage.

Information sources: Cadena SER Málaga and Onda Cero Málaga