While skin cancer, (melanoma), remains much rarer among blacks and Hispanics than among whites, it doesn’t mean just because you’re dark skinned you shouldn’t worry about protecting your skin from the sun. In fact non-whites with melanoma are diagnosed later, and are thus actually more likely to die from the disease.
After completing a recent study in Florida, Dr. Robert S. Kirsner of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine said, “Just because you have darker skin pigmentation, whether you’re Hispanic or black, does not make you immune to skin cancer.”.
Dr. Kirsner says there needs to be better awareness among non-white patients, and their doctors, that dark skin doesn’t mean immunity to melanoma. People of any color should watch for skin growths that meet any of these criteria:: asymmetrical; irregular, nicked or notched borders; multiple colors; the size of a pencil eraser or larger; or growths that are evolving or changing.
And regardless of whether you have light or dark skin, Kirsner said it’s best to follow “sun-smart” behaviors like seeking out shade, covering up, wearing rash guards and other UV protective clothing along with avoiding the midday sun, and wearing sunscreen.