Palermo health agencies launch extensive cancer screening and heat‑prevention campaign

In July 2026 the Palermo health authority (ASP Palermo) and the local pharmacy federation (Federfarma Palermo) began a coordinated campaign to boost participation in free breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening. The effort uses media outreach and the network of 395 pharmacies across Palermo and its province, with celebrities Maria Grazia Cucinotta, Ernesto Maria Ponte and Sasà Salvaggio as campaign ambassadors. Recent data show screening uptake remains low, especially for colorectal tests (17.7% in 2025), though modest gains have been recorded compared with the previous year.

On the same day an open‑day event titled “Emergenza Caldo – Prevenzione e Salute per la Cittadinanza” was held at the Carini community hub, organized by ASP district 34. Deputy Vincenzo Figuccia of the Lega party, local officials, and ASP director Antonino Levita welcomed citizens for free blood‑pressure checks and advice on coping with extreme heat, emphasizing the role of prevention in public health.

Both initiatives aim to bring preventive services closer to residents, improve early disease detection, and reduce health risks associated with heat waves.