Melanoma skin cancer is on the rise among young Italians, the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM) said Wednesday.
In 2015, 20% of new diagnoses - or 2,260 cases - were made among patients aged 15-39, and 17% of melanoma patients hospitalized in 2001-2008 were aged 31-40.
The incidence of melanoma almost doubled in just over a decade, from under 6,000 new cases in 2004 to 11,300 diagnoses in 2015.
While some people are genetically prone to skin cancer, doctors stressed it's important for everyone to reduce risk by using adequate protection against UV light from the sun as well as lamps in tanning salons.
Prevention is also key, because melanoma is curable in over 90% of cases if caught early. Doctors recommend going to a qualified dermatologist for a skin check-up once a year.
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