January 1st 2026: Summer Has Arrived in Panama so Pay Attention to Your Skincare Routine
Remember how close you are to the equator. Experts warn that when going to the beaches it is essential to avoid the hours when ultraviolet rays are at their maximum intensity. From January 2013 to August 2025, 2,539 cases of skin cancer were registered at the ION. The most common types of skin cancer are squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma.
January has arrived, accompanied by the warm breeze and intense summer sun, which from today, January 1st, attracts hundreds of Panamanians to the country’s rivers and beaches. For many, the start of the year is synonymous with sun, sand, and sea. This is the case for 28-year-old Abel Matos, for whom going to the beach has become a family tradition of more than a decade, a must-do after the New Year’s holidays. However, while people enjoy the sun, health authorities are urging caution. It’s not just about avoiding accidents, but also about protecting oneself from the sun’s harmful effects. Skin cancer, which ranks sixth among the most frequently diagnosed cancers at the National Cancer Institute (ION), doesn’t take a break, even in summer.
According to data from the National Oncology Institute (ION), 126 new cases were detected between January and August of this year, while 252 patients were registered in 2024 (105 women and 147 men). Between 2013 and 2023, the ION recorded 2,161 cases of skin cancer in the country. Specialists from the Social Security Fund (CSS) warn that most cases can be prevented with simple measures: the constant use of sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher) is essential, as well as appropriate clothing and avoiding sun exposure between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm Early detection is also crucial.
Any changes in moles or spots—such as irregular borders, color changes, or abnormal growth—should prompt an immediate consultation with a dermatologist, as early diagnosis improves the prognosis and reduces the need for invasive treatments. Furthermore, intense sun exposure can trigger autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and dermatomyositis, as well as cause skin problems like sunspots, premature photoaging, and melasma—all preventable with adequate protection. Dehydration is another critical factor, as sun exposure necessitates increased fluid intake, and insufficient hydration can lead to other health issues.
Summer Operation 2026
This year, the authorities launched the “Guardians 2026” operation, in which the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc), Fire Department, National Aeronaval Service (Senan), National Border Service (Senafront), National Police, Transit and Land Transportation Authority (ATTT) and the Maritime Authority participate, with more than 168 coverage points nationwide. In these areas, flags of different colors will be installed to indicate the safety status to bathers: orange (limit of the area covered by the lifeguard), green (free bathing), yellow (swimming with caution) and red (no entry into the water).
