Euromelanoma 2025: an alert for the skin, a care for life

Every year, across dozens of European countries, May is marked by a skin cancer awareness campaign: Euromelanoma. Created in 1999, the project brings together dermatologists, health institutions and hospitals with the shared aim of preventing, educating about and early-diagnosing melanoma and other skin cancers.

In 2025, IPO Porto again took part in this European initiative with free screening and awareness activities. For the second consecutive year, Dr Ellene Papazis, a dermatologist at IPO Porto with subspecialisation in oncological dermatology, was among the doctors involved in organising and publicising the campaign.

The melanoma alert: Dr Ellene Papazis interviewed on SIC

During Euromelanoma week, Dr Ellene Papazis gave an interview to SIC Notícias, addressing the seriousness of melanoma and the importance of early detection. According to IPO Porto figures, 125 new melanoma cases were diagnosed in 2004. In 2024, that number had risen to 367 — more than tripling in two decades.

“Melanoma is the skin cancer with the greatest potential to metastasise. Thanks to improvements in diagnostic methods and to greater awareness, we are detecting it earlier — which considerably increases the chances of cure,” explained Dr Ellene.

Complementary perspectives: Dr Matilde Ribeiro

The campaign at IPO Porto also featured Dr Matilde Ribeiro, coordinator of the Skin Clinic, who gave interviews to RTP Notícias and to the FC Porto channel. In both, she stressed the importance of changing habits early and of teaching sun protection practices to younger generations.

The RTP report focused on poor habits acquired over a lifetime and the impact of childhood sunburn. One of its strongest moments was the testimony of two siblings who attended the screening together, showing the value of the initiative even among adults who grew up without sun protection habits.

In the FC Porto channel video, two of the club's volleyball athletes, Lila Durão and Bruna Correia, underwent screening and left clear messages about the impact of example on younger people. Dr Matilde highlighted that high-level sport carries an additional responsibility in promoting healthy behaviour.

Skin self-examination: how to do it

One of Euromelanoma's main messages is to encourage skin self-examination. Observing your own body regularly can be decisive in detecting changes early.

The ABCDE method helps identify suspicious lesions:

• A for Asymmetry: one half of the lesion differs from the other

• B for Border: irregular, notched or poorly defined edges

• C for Colour: more than one colour present — brown, black, red, white or blue

• D for Diameter: lesions larger than 6 mm

• E for Evolution: changes in size, shape, colour, or symptoms such as itching or bleeding

If you identify any of these features, the recommended step is to see a dermatologist for assessment with dermoscopy.

Caring for your skin is caring for your life

The skin is the largest organ of the human body, and also the most exposed. Campaigns such as Euromelanoma exist to remind us that prevention begins with awareness.

Observing, protecting and acting are simple and effective ways of saving lives.

Clínica Ellene Papazis · R. Orfeão do Porto 52, 4150-798 Porto