Sun worshippers soaking up the rays on Italian beaches this summer could be collared by a group of dermatologists who are sailing up and down the peninsula to increase awareness of skin cancer.
Presenting the initiative here on Thursday, the Italian Association of Hospital Dermatologists said the skin doctors will visit some of the country's main beach resorts in June and July to offer free consultations in cabins on board a specially equipped yacht.
Santa Margherita Ligure in Liguria, Gallipoli in Puglia, Rimini in Emilia-Romagna and Lignano Sabbiadoro in Friuli-Venezia Giulia are among the popular beaches in the dermatologists' sights.
The association has also set up a website, www.myskincheck.it, offering advice on the prevention of melanoma while educational videos will be shown in the waiting rooms of 20 hospitals around the country.
Around two million cases of melanoma are diagnosed each year, according to the World Health Organisation.
In Italy more than 12-13 cases for each 100,000 inhabitants are diagnosed, with a peak in the 40-50 age bracket.
