Having Dark Skin Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Get Skin Cancer
It’s long been a myth that African-Americans can soak up all the sun they want and not have to worry about skin cancer. The truth is that people with darker complexions need to protect themselved from those UV rays just as much as people with lighter skin. Here some info on skin cancer in African-Americans from SkinCancerInfoOnline.com:
Although the rates of occurrence of various types of skin cancer are lower in African Americans, they are not zero. African Americans can develop skin cancer, and when they do, the outcome is often more serious than it is for other Americans.
One reason why the outcome of skin cancer is often poorer in African Americans is that the disease is often diagnosed at a more advanced stage, when treatment is more difficult. Also, the type of melanoma most frequently found in African Americans is acral lentiginous melanoma, which is more dangerous than the types of melanoma that predominate in white Americans.
Shocking isn’t it? Here’s some tips on how to spot skin cancer:
Among African Americans, melanomas occur mainly on body sites that are not pigmented, such as the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, and the skin beneath the nails. Other sites at which melanomas occur relatively often in African Americans are the mucous membranes of the mouth, nasal passages, and genitals.
Like people of other heritages, African Americans should develop an awareness of the moles on their bodies and be alert for new or changing moles. In addition, African Americans should examine their fingernails and toenails for suspicious changes, which may include brown or black colored stripes under the nail or a spot that extends beyond the edge of the nail. Anyone who notices such changes should see a doctor promptly because they may be signs of melanoma. Melanoma that is detected and treated early can usually be cured.
Go get that sunblock and a stylish hat and protect yourself this summer! For more info on skin cancer among African-Americans click here.
Click here for 10 things you shouldn’t tell your doctor!
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Comments 5
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PRINCEromelo1
no sir/mam you are lying blacks do not need all the chemicals in the sunsceens. coming from and having visited many african countries i must admit i started to recognise there was such a thing as skin cancer when i came to the western world. if you are half white half black then its a diff situation but for pure bred blacks i know they dont suffer from skin cncer
Deekang3
Had no clue article on skin cancer could bring out ignorance. It’s not about deny a gift of melanin, it’s about protecting yourself. No one said skin cancer is rampant in places like Bahamas but try talking to some of the black dermatologist if you want proof. Just because you don’t know someone personally doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. Our skin has been mixed w/other cultures, especially in the US, and that makes us more susceptible skin cancer. Don’t put others lives at risk to push some radical extremist point.
_A_
DEAD on SOLSA_7…down here in the Bahamas, guess how much sun block we use??? I have NEVER heard of anyone getting skin cancer….ridiculous article..
solsa_7
This article is a MYTH and MISINFORMATION. Where is your worldwide medical and scientific Proof findings on this subject??? People of color even in the hottest regions around the world don’t suffer from melanoma LOL. That is what the melanin in their skin is for! Its all over the body from head to toe even in their eyes melanin is found. The real danger is in the use of that unnatural SUNBLOCK..it is one of the reason some people of color get skin cancer.. some sunblocks are filled with harmful chemicals that weakens or even destroy the amount of melanin they have in their skin. Instead of attacking the Most High’s gift of melanin to his children with this BS article, you should be educating yourself and the people about this precious GIFT called Melanin!
Mzprettyphatpuzzy251
Thank you for this article. This subject has been touched on but not detailed.