Melanoma: numbers, stories, and new perspectives

In Italy, around 14,000 new cases of melanoma are recorded every year, with estimated incidence rates of about 14.8 per 100,000 in men and 14.1 per 100,000 in women.

Between 2004 and 2024, diagnoses have nearly tripled: from around 6,000 cases to more than 17,000 per year.

In recent years, melanoma has become one of the most significant topics in dermatology and oncology. It is a particularly aggressive skin cancer, whose progression largely depends on early diagnosis. The good news is that five-year survival stands at around 87%, reaching 94% among younger patients. However, the rate drops to 73% among the elderly, demonstrating how crucial both timeliness and age are as determining factors.
(Source: https://medendi.org/conoscere-il-tumore/melanoma-sopravvivenza/)

Prevention as the first treatment

One of the most powerful tools against melanoma remains prevention. This is why initiatives such as Melanoma Day are so important, carrying a simple but crucial message: paying attention to changes in moles. «In some cases, a melanoma may bleed, or we might see it grow very quickly. In others, we might notice, for example, a mole that changes color or appearance, showing specific evolutionary characteristics. However, we must remember that in three out of four cases, melanoma arises on healthy skin. It’s not always a mole that changes. Instead, it can be a new lesion that develops, and we need to apply the ABCDE rule», explains Gianluca Pistore, science communicator, writer, and president of the Melanoma Day association.

Events like these remind us that simple actions, self-observation and regular dermatological checkups, can make all the difference.

Italy and Australia: two models compared

Italy and Australia are two countries with different but complementary approaches to fighting skin cancer. In Australia, where incidence is extremely high due to sun exposure, the culture of prevention is deeply rooted from a very young age. In Italy, by contrast, awareness is gradually growing, supported by awareness campaigns and therapeutic innovation.

Looking at the different incidence rates between the two countries, two main factors explain Australia’s higher case numbers.

«Geographically, Australia has more sunlight and more intense UV damage – explains Dr. Boutros – The second reason is related to differences in skin type. In Italy, people tend to have darker skin, which is more protected, whereas many Australians have very fair skin, often of Northern European origin. Fair skin is a key factor when it comes to melanoma».

A language that reaches people

A new, and not to be underestimated, aspect concerns communication. It’s no longer only doctors and associations spreading prevention messages, but also patients and influencers who, through social media, turn personal experiences into collective awareness.

A significant example is that of Anna Maisetti, founder of the Stile_compresso community. Her story began with an “ordinary” mole that, in reality, marked the start of a radical change.

«Unfortunately, the dermatologist didn’t realize how serious the situation was or the characteristics of that mole – she recalls – He suggested removal without urgency, and I scheduled it through the public health system. The surgery took place a year later, but by then it was too late».

Stories like hers underscore the importance of prevention. As Dr. Franco Picciotto reminds us: «We talk about primary prevention when it concerns lifestyle. Sunburns must be avoided: young people and children are the most vulnerable and need careful, never excessive, sun exposure». However, Picciotto adds: «There’s still a long way to go. Italy lacks a true national educational campaign, like the ones conducted in recent years in Australia or the United States».

Melanoma remains a complex challenge, but today we can look at it from a different perspective. The rise in diagnoses should not cause fear but rather encourage a more attentive approach: from daily prevention to new technologies, and communication that truly engages everyone. Now more than ever, the real weapon is awareness.