Dermatologists from Lleida are taking part in the Euromelanoma 2026 campaign by offering free skin checks

Dermatology specialists from Arnau de Vilanova University Hospital (HUAV) and skin cancer researchers from the Lleida Institute of Biomedical Research (IRBLleida), led by Rosa Maria Martí, Head of Dermatology at HUAV and Principal Investigator at IRBLleida, will take part, once again this year, as volunteers in the Euromelanoma campaign in Spain, which will take place in June 2026. The dermatology specialists will carry out skin checks for anyone who requests them via the campaign website: https://euromelanoma.aedv.es/

In addition, this year the screening campaign is accompanied by an information initiative to combat misinformation in the field of dermatology. Under the name 'BuloFighters', the campaign aims to provide accurate and reliable information about skin cancer. This initiative responds to dermatologists' concerns about the proliferation of inaccurate, unfounded and dangerous claims regarding UV exposure and sun protection on the internet, particularly on social media.

This campaign tackles myths such as the idea that sunscreen causes cancer, that exposure to UV rays is healthy, or that wearing sunglasses increases the risk of sunburn.

'Euromelanoma' is designed to promote awareness, prevention and early diagnosis of skin cancer among the European population. Around 1,000,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed worldwide each year, resulting in some 65,000 deaths annually. Over the last decade, cases of melanoma, the form of skin cancer with the poorest prognosis, have risen by almost 50% and now stand at 287,723 diagnoses annually worldwide. In Spain, around 300 people are diagnosed with skin melanoma every month. The incidence rate of skin cancer has doubled in our country over the last few decades

There are several risk factors that predispose people to developing skin cancer. Anyone concerned about a spot on their skin can take a self-diagnosis test, available on the website, and, if they belong to a high-risk group (people who have frequently sunburnt themselves for leisure purposes, outdoor workers, sportspeople, fair-skinned individuals or those with numerous freckles, etc.), they can access a comprehensive skin check-up by a volunteer dermatologist.