Italian rapper Salmo reveals basal cell carcinoma recurrence, triggering sunscreen safety debate

Italian rapper Salmo, born Maurizio Pisciottu, shared a video on TikTok on 1 August 2026 announcing he has a recurrent basal cell carcinoma on his face. He showed a scar near his temple where the lesion had previously been removed and said it has begun growing again in the same spot. "Cancro della pelle," he began the video, recounting his diagnosis. Basal cell carcinoma, also called basalioma, is the most common form of skin cancer. It grows slowly and rarely metastasises, which is why medical specialists describe it as a "good" tumour, though if neglected it can infiltrate tissue and cause disfigurement, particularly on the face.

Salmo links sunscreen to his diagnosis

The rapper connected his illness to content he had seen online. He referenced videos by a doctor he chose not to name, discussing what he called the devastating effects of sunscreens and sun-exposed skin. Salmo also noted other theories circulating online that attribute skin cancer to diet.

“Purtroppo io, come tanti, ho messo le creme solari e il risultato è il cancro della pelle. Carcinoma basocellulare.”

The doctor Salmo alluded to is widely identified as Debora Rasio, a nutritionist and oncology specialist who is a researcher at Sapienza University. In a recent Instagram video, Rasio claimed that greater sun exposure protects against melanoma, while sunscreens increase the risk of all skin tumours, especially melanoma. She cited a study using the UK Biobank cohort, published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention in November 2023, which involved roughly 470,000 people, and argued that vitamin D produced through sun exposure is the most important protective factor.

Dermatologists push back

Italy's dermatological society, Sidemast, responded sharply. In a statement, its board said that extracting a single data point while ignoring the conclusions of scientific studies fuels disinformation that can have serious health consequences. The board reiterated that UV rays are carcinogenic and the primary cause of skin tumours, pointing to the example of a person with albinism in a high-exposure country who, without adequate protection, would almost certainly develop numerous skin cancers at a very young age.

“Estrapolare un dato e ignorare le conclusioni degli studi scientifici alimenta una disinformazione che può avere gravi conseguenze sulla salute.”

The Italian National Institute of Health also weighed in, warning that sunscreen-related fake news increases during summer and urging the public to verify sources and follow scientific guidance.

What basal cell carcinoma is and how it is treated

Mario Santinami, director of the Melanoma and Sarcoma Unit at the IRCCS National Cancer Institute Foundation in Milan, explained that basal cell carcinoma is the most frequent skin cancer and is linked primarily to sun exposure and UV damage. It rarely causes metastases, occurring in fewer than 0.1% of cases, which is why it is labelled a "good" tumour. However, Santinami cautioned that it must still be addressed promptly. The tumour typically presents as a small skin erosion with slightly raised edges, often covered by a scab that falls off and reforms. A timely diagnosis is usually possible with a straightforward dermatological exam, supplemented by a biopsy when needed.

“Per riconoscerlo bisogna prestare attenzione a lesioni che non guariscono, sanguinano o appaiono infiammate per molti giorni.”

When caught early, treatment is typically surgical removal under local anaesthetic, which cures more than 90% of patients definitively. Salmo has not disclosed details of his further treatment plan, but his video has drawn an outpouring of support from fans.

Sunscreen's limits and the risk factors

Corriere della Sera noted that no sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays, and effectiveness drops when the product is applied in insufficient amounts or not reapplied as directed, such as after swimming or sweating. Basal cell carcinoma is more common in people with fair skin who have a history of intense UV exposure and previous sunburns. Around 20% of basal cell carcinomas arise on skin not routinely exposed to the sun, suggesting additional factors beyond UV radiation play a role in some cases.

Basal cell carcinoma: metastasis rate0.1

Melanoma: metastasis rate (aggressive potential)100

Basal cell carcinoma: surgical cure rate90

Melanoma: surgical cure rate when late-diagnosed10

Basal cell carcinoma: metastasis rate

0.1

Melanoma: metastasis rate (aggressive potential)

100

Basal cell carcinoma: surgical cure rate

90

Melanoma: surgical cure rate when late-diagnosed

10

Data from the article text