People of Color and Skin Cancer

By the year 2050, the United States Census Bureau predicts that the population will be 50 percent Hispanic, Asian, or African American. That is why now, more than ever, we must raise awareness of the potential for life-threatening skin cancers in people of color.

It has for a long time been an urban myth that only Caucasians are susceptible to skin cancer. But this couldn’t be further from the truth! It is true that people of color are less likely to develop skin cancer due to the genetic makeup of their skin. But this also means that people of color who develop skin cancer are more likely to die from it due to delays in detection and difficulty seeing moles and spots on their skin.

The skin is made up of the epidermis, the dermis, and fat layers. In the outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis, cells called melanocytes are produced. It is these cells, melanocytes, which determine the amount of melanin or pigment in the skin. The more melanin that is present, the darker the skin will be.

It is melanin that helps defend our skin against the harmful effects from the sun which cause skin cancer. In many ways, it is your own personal SPF. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, “in African American skin, melanin provides a sun protection factor approximately equivalent to 13.4, compared to 3.4 in white skin.”

There are several forms of skin cancer. The most common is basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and the second most common is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). There are also other skin cancers, including melanoma. Just as there are various types of skin cancer, those who are affected by them vary too.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer among African Americans. When people of color are exposed to certain skin conditions that prevent complete healing, such as scarring, burn tissue, and ulcerations, there is not the same level of melanin as before. Therefore, the person has a higher likelihood of developing very aggressive skin cancer that can eventually spread to other places on the body and lead to death. As we said before, these are more likely due to late detection which can often mean it is too late for treatment.

No one is immune to skin cancer, be sure to check your skin regularly and visit your dermatologist at least once a week.

The Dark Side of Tanning

With warmer weather finally here, it’s only natural for young men and women to head to the beaches or their local swimming pools to catch a few hours of sunlight. Having tanned skin often goes hand-in-hand with feeling more attractive and confident.

However, these pool and beach ventures can pose a serious risk to your health. UV radiation exposure from indoor and outdoor tanning is the leading cause of skin cancer. Individuals who tan indoors increase their risk of melanoma by 75%. While skin cancer is a prominent side effect of tanning, other risks are likely, such as burns and injury to the skin, premature aging of the skin, and immune system suppression.

Despite the risks and potential impact that tanning indoors and/or outdoors can do to your skin and health, young women and teens continue to pursue the bronze glow. A recent study showed 86% of tanners recognize that tanning beds could lead to skin cancer.

So why do people continue to tan despite the many health risks that are associated with indoor and outdoor tanning? In a recent survey, 35% of respondents felt peer pressure to be tan. This pressure might arise more intensely when special events are approaching, such as graduation, prom, galas, and even bathing suit season.

It is important that teens understand there are healthy alternatives to tanning. Spray tans, sunless tanning lotions and gels are great alternatives to traditional tanning. These products contain the chemical DHA which acts as a safe tanning ingredient when applied externally on the skin.

Fighting the sunlight’s dangerous UV rays with healthy alternatives to tanning will provide your skin with a more youthful complexion. But most importantly, it will significantly decrease your chance of developing skin cancer.

Think Skin Cancer is Rare? Think Again!

On May 14th, I participated in a free skin cancer screening at St. Francis Hospital. The participating physicians and I saw 171 people.

Out of those screened, 31 people had some form of skin cancer, either basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Fifty-six others had actinic keratosis, a precancerous growth.

Twenty-four participants had atypical moles. Doctors also found possible melanoma on two people and suggested biopsies for another 53 participants.

And that was just in three hours!

Though skin cancer is the most common kind of cancer, it is also the easiest to prevent. Using sunscreen, reducing sun exposure, and getting regular check-ups are a few easy ways to lower your risk.

Remember, the earlier you detect skin cancer, the easier it is to treat.

As skin cancer awareness month comes to a close, don’t forget about the risks. Talk to your dermatologist about a skin cancer examination today!

Sun Protection Tips for Working Outdoors

On average, outdoor workers receive five to 10 times more sun exposure each year than indoor workers. For those who work outdoors more than indoors, you are at a greater risk for skin cancer.

According to SunSmart, there are five simple steps that will protect your skin and reduce your risk.

Seek shade! Limit your sun exposure by working in the shade, indoors, or when UV levels are lower, such as in the early morning or late afternoon.
Slip on sun protective work clothing.
Slap on a sun protective hat, such as a Scala or Wallaroo hat sold at Greenville Dermatology.
Slide on sunglasses, preferably ones with ultraviolet protection factor.
Slop on SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen. It’s crucial to use sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, meaning it protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.

Following these small but important points will keep your skin safe and diminish your risk of skin cancer and prevent you from being another skin cancer statistic.

For more information on sun protection and to schedule a comprehensive skin cancer screening, call Greenville Dermatology at (864) 242-5872.