Spain skin cancer prevention

On 29 July 2026 the Andalusian regional health authority, together with the Spanish Cancer Association and the public foundation IAVANTE, launched a public‑health campaign titled “Sun and healthy skin are not incompatible”. The initiative, rolled out across all eight Andalusian provinces and 208 municipalities, urges residents to use sunscreen, seek shade, wear protective clothing, re‑apply sunscreen every two hours, avoid peak UV hours, and monitor skin changes.

Two days later, national data released for 2025 showed a sharp increase in melanoma diagnoses in Spain, with roughly 400 new cases reported—a rise of about 1,000 cases from the previous year. A study mapping incidence highlighted the Mediterranean coast, especially the Costa del Sol and Almería in Andalusia, as hotspots. Experts warned that scalp exposure is often neglected, increasing risk. The surge underscored the urgency of the newly launched campaign and the need for targeted awareness and protection measures in the most affected regions.