Skin Cancer - Darker Skinned People

There is a misunderstanding among minority people that skin cancer is a Caucasian problem only. It is most certainly not. Although, studies tell us that it is more common among lighter skinned people they also tell us that it is more deadly among those with the darkest skin.

Affect of Melanoma Skin Cancer

Melanoma, the deadliest of the skin cancers, affects only ten percent the number of African Americans, and five percent the number of Hispanic Americans, as it does members of the white American population. Part of this is because skin cancer is more likely to be a problem for someone with fair skin, blond or red hair and light colored eyes. The paler the skin, the more likely you will burn which damages your skin. As a matter of fact a child who has suffer five or more serious burns is at a much high risk for skin cancer later in life.

Lighter Skinned People vs. Darker Skinned People

People with darker complexions often have skin cancer in more unusual places then their lighter complexioned counterparts. Light skinned people discover skin cancer on their upper torso, legs, and faces or even on their scalps. People with darker skin are more likely to have skin cancer on the palms of their hands, soles of their feet, toenails or in the mouth or nose.

Myths of Darker Skinned People

Unfortunately, because many darker skinned people believe that old wives tale that says because their skin is darker they cannot get skin cancer it is not taken very seriously by enough minority people. Although their darker skin protects them from burns the truth is that they should be working just as hard to protect their skin form the sun as anyone else.

African Americans should wear hats, use sunscreen and avoid the sun at its peak hours. They should protect their children from the suns ultraviolet rays. And when they see something suspicious on their skin, a mole that looks wrong, a sore that won’t heal, they should go to their health care provider immediately. See a dermatologist and learn quickly if there is something that needs attention or not. It’s always better to have a doctor tell you there is nothing to worry about then to hear that you shouldn’t have waited so long to come in for a check-up.

Causes of Skin Cancer in Darker Skinned People

Some studies question the reasons for skin cancer in darker skinned people. Based on some of the areas of the body that skin cancer develops, areas that are not highly exposed to the suns ultraviolet rays, researchers question the role of the sun in skin cancers for African Americans. They still insist on the same precautions being taken but admit not having conclusive proof as to the cause. Nor do they understand why it is so much more deadly to someone with darker skin, but it is.

Like all people, minority people with darker skin should learn to do self-examination every couple of months. It may seem like an unnecessary hassle but by taking ten to fifteen minutes to check yourself over you could save your life.