CIt’s a gesture we do every day, often without thinking too much: choosing what to wear. Yet, the first real defense against melanoma could start from there. On the occasion of National day of May 2ndthe Melanoma Foundation launch the campaign “Prevention clothes”with a clear message: skin protection does not only come from sunscreen, but also – and above all – from clothing.
Melanoma grows (and not just because of the sunAnd)
The numbers speak for themselves. In Italy there are cases of melanoma more than doubled in 20 yearsgoing from around 6,000 in 2004 to 15,000 a year today. A figure that also reflects greater attention to early diagnosis, but which should not make people lower their guard. “Almost 9 out of 10 cases are linked to excessive exposure to UV rays,” he explains Paolo Asciertodirector of the Melanoma Oncology, Oncological Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapies Unit at the National Cancer Institute “G. Pascale” Foundation of Naples and president of the Melanoma Foundation.
And there’s no need to wait for summer: UV rays can damage your skin from mid-March to mid-Octobereven when the sky is cloudy.
Tell me how you dress and I’ll tell you where you’re at risk
There is one fact that is striking. In men, two out of five melanomas (about 40%) appear on the backwhile in women over a third of cases (35%) develop on the legs. It’s not random. «There is one direct correlation between clothing and tumor location», underlines Ascierto. Men tend to be bare-chested more often, women tend to bare their legs in the warm months. And the most exposed skin is the most at risk. (Source: Cancer Research UK
https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/2025/05/26/melanoma-skin-cancer-clothing-choices/).
The sunscreen paradox
There sunscreen remains essential. But alone it is not enough. Indeed, it can generate an unexpected effect: the so-called “sunscreen paradox”. Some studies of McGill University show that those who use sunscreens also tend to expose themselves to the sun for longer, often without applying them correctly or in sufficient quantities. The result? A risk that can even increase. (Sources: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/15/19/4726, https://aacrjournals.org/cebp/article/32/11/1599/729740) «There cream is not a license to expose yourself to the sun» warns Ascierto. «Clothing, on the other hand, offers constant physical protection».
Clothing as the first shield
Unlike the cream, adequate clothing is an additional and safe protection:
- it doesn’t wash off
- does not lose effectiveness with sweat
- It doesn’t depend on how much we apply.
Clothing thus becomes a reality personal protective equipment. It’s not about covering yourself completely, but about doing it intelligently.
The 5 rules for an anti-melanoma wardrobe
According to experts, it is enough to rethink some daily choices.
1. Cover without suffocating
Light and natural fabrics are better, such as linen and cotton, which protect without overheating the skin.
2. Colors matter
White protects less: dark or bright colors (blue, red) absorb UV rays better.
3. “Wraparound” glasses
They also protect laterally from light reflected on water, sand or asphalt.
4. Wide-brimmed hat
Essential for the face, ears and neck, areas often forgotten.
5. UPF label
A boss with UPF 50+ blocks up to 98% of UV rays.
A daily gesture that becomes prevention
The “Prevention Clothes” campaign overturns a deep-rooted habit: thinking of cream as the only protection. The message is broader: prevention means changing behaviornot just apply a product.