Santa Cruz de Tenerife 11 Apr. (Press Europa) –
Skin cancer ranks as the sixth most commonly diagnosed form of this disease within the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with an overall total of 579 cases reported in 2024, as per figures from the Spanish Association Observatory against Cancer.
This information was shared by the vice president of the Spanish Association Against Cancer in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, David Cova, during a press conference held on Friday at the Cabildo de Tenerife, where the II Campaign for the Prevention of Skin Cancer on the Island was launched.
“There has been a slight yet consistent increase over recent years in both non-melanoma and melanoma cancers,” stated Rafael Luis Martín, Director of the Health Area of Tenerife for the Canary Islands Government.
The presentation also included the participation of Ricardo Fernández, President of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology in the Canary region, along with Manuel Ángel Galván, President of the Official College of Pharmacists, and Jesús Delgado, Primary Care Manager of the Health Area of Tenerife.
The Spanish Association Against Cancer has reported that their services reach approximately 20 to 25% of individuals affected by skin cancer. Consequently, they have emphasised that “the fight” against this illness “must be rooted in prevention and research” as it is a type of cancer that, if detected early, boasts a significantly high survival rate.
Manuel Ángel Galván from the Provincial College of Pharmacists has underscored the necessity of referring to official sources to prevent patients from being misled by misinformation. He also noted the critical importance of individuals taking responsibility for their own self-care, highlighting the informative role of pharmacies in enhancing health outcomes.
Ricardo Fernández, representing the territorial area of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, asserted that skin cancer is unequivocally the most prevalent type of cancer among humans. “When it is not fatal, it diminishes the quality of life for the patient,” along with the side effects resulting from treatments.
When questioned about advancements in research aimed at improving treatment options, he acknowledged that funding for research is often limited, although he argued that “over the past 15 years, the range of treatments has vastly improved, saving patients who previously faced dire outcomes, albeit this often occurs at the cost of side effects and treatment-related toxicities.”
“Even straightforward procedures, such as surgery, which resolves 90% of cases, leave scars. (…) The presence of a scar impairs the patient’s quality of life,” he remarked.
Insular Campaign
The island initiative for skin cancer prevention in Tenerife will cover all 31 municipalities, aiming to “inform, educate, and raise awareness” regarding the hazards of unprotected sun exposure and preventive measures against skin cancer.
Over the course of seven months, tents will be established in strategic locations such as squares, promenades, and areas with high foot traffic, where pharmacists, family doctors, and dermatologists will provide personalised advice on photoprotection, equipping individuals with tools to prevent skin cancer.
Juan Manuel Acosta, Minister of Education for Prevention, has emphasised the crucial need for “education and awareness,” reminding attendees that we inhabit a “privileged” environment of sun and beach, yet face “high risks” if precautions are not taken. In fact, the Canary Islands experience the highest ultraviolet radiation levels in Europe, which are three times those recorded on the Peninsula.
According to Rafael Luis Martín, the director of the Health Area of Tenerife for the Government of the Canary Islands, since mid-March, ultraviolet radiation indices on the islands have exceeded 8 and, at times, reached as high as 12 points, indicating a situation of “extreme risk”.
Campaign Details
During the press conference, the attending authorities highlighted that while the sun can have beneficial effects, moderation is key. Consequently, they advise the use of protective measures such as sunblock, hats, and approved sunglasses, particularly during peak intensity hours, which fall between 11:00 and 17:00.
The campaign recommends applying sun protection with a sunscreen factor (SPF) of at least 50, ideally 50+, applied 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and reapplied every two hours.
Among other initiatives, the campaign also advocates for self-exams to prevent skin cancer. In this context, they encourage regular monitoring of moles for any changes in asymmetry, irregular edges, colour, or size, to enhance prevention efforts.
