Riviera Romagnola launches free melanoma‑prevention kits on beaches

The Istituto Oncologico Romagnolo (IOR) is rolling out a "Good Sun Good Skin" campaign on the Riviera Romagnola beaches from 1 to 15 July. Volunteers will distribute free prevention kits that contain a pouch, an informational guide on safe sun exposure, a SPF 50 sunscreen bottle and branded gadgets. The kits are produced in collaboration with the IRST "Dino Amadori" research institute and supermarket chain Conad Essentiae.

The initiative, presented at a conference on La Spiaggia dei Valori in Punta Marina and supported by the local association Insieme a Te, seeks to promote photoprotective habits, especially among people under 50 and children, noting that up to 80 % of lifetime sun exposure occurs before age 20. Melanoma remains among the top‑five cancers in Emilia‑Romagna, though recent data show a stabilization or decline in incidence for those under 35. Survival rates have risen to about 90 % thanks to advanced diagnostics and early detection.

Prof. Ignazio Stanganelli, head of the Skin Cancer Unit at IRST, highlighted the importance of educating parents and youth to reduce ultraviolet‑related risks.