The Facts on Skin Cancer in Dark-Skinned People

“Many people feel that because the melanin pigment in their skin protects them from sunburn and premature aging, that it will also protect them from skin cancer.”

This is not true, according to Susan C. Taylor, M.D., an internationally recognized expert in dermatology who trained at the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard.¹

The Facts

In a 2010 interview with Essence Magazine, Dr. Taylor revealed or affirmed the following facts about dark-skinned people and cancer:

• Hispanics and blacks receive little or no education from their doctors concerning the risks and prevention of the disease.
• Black individuals have a lesser risk than Whites for skin cancer, but they still have a potential risk, regardless of how dark their skin is.
• Early signs of melanoma—the deadliest form of skin cancer—in Blacks are missed because they show up in unusual places such as the palms and soles, fingernails and toenails and the inner surface of the mouth and genitals.
• Dark-skinned people who develop skin cancer are more likely than Whites to die from the disease.
• Mortality is higher for the Black population because the diagnosis is made later; physicians may not know how to diagnose skin cancer in Blacks.

Dr. Taylor encouraged that Blacks be educated through media and doctor’s offices. She also suggested monthly skin examinations (see below) and annual visits to the dermatologist to check for symptoms in the unusual places mentioned above.

E=Evolving: This is the most common warning sign of skin cancer--any mole that changes color, shape or size.

Guide to Monthly Skin Examinations

“When melanoma develops in people whose untanned skin color is brown, it most often starts on the palm, soles of the feet and under the nails.”
–American Cancer Society (ACS)²

The ACS has established the “ABCDE” guide to help individuals recognize the common melanoma symptoms.

They advise that any spots matching the descriptions of the moles³ in the ABCDE guide (to the right) should be reported to the physician.

The description of each mole is below the picture for A, B, C and D. E is a mole that shows any change in size, shape or color.

Procedure for Self-Check

The ACS advises the person doing a monthly personal examination to use the following procedure:

1. Stand in front of the mirror to check your face, ears, neck, chest and belly, and underarms.
2. Use hand mirrors to check the bottom of feet, calves, back of thighs, buttocks, genital area, lower and upper back, and back of the neck.
3. Sit to check the front of thighs, shins, tops of feet, in between toes and toenails.
4. Also, check the tops and palms of hands, in between fingers and fingernails.
5. Part hair and check scalp.

Relevant Warnings for Dark-Skinned People

Family History Is Not a Safe Guide

Some think there is nothing to fear if there is no family history of skin cancer. Consider two facts:

• Personal history (number of past sunburns and moles) is more significant than genetics.⁴
• So many people now are bi-racial, even multi-racial? What are the skin colors and diagnoses in your family three generations back?

Black Skin Can Be Overexposed

Some Blacks are comfortable hearing that melanin provides a sun protection factor (SPF) approximately equivalent to 13.4, compared to 3.4 in white skin. Still, black skin can be overexposed to sunlight.⁵ More than five sunburns and non-use of sunscreen can signal danger.⁶

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Some Medications Can Make Skin Sensitive

Medications used for blood pressure or diabetes make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. People who use them need to use sunscreen outdoors: when gardening, for example.⁷

Other Risk Factors

Other reported risk factors for melanoma in minority populations include: albinism, burn scars, radiation therapy, trauma, and immunosuppression.⁸

Prevention Measures

Keep up with new information on the topic. In addition to the monthly personal checks and the annual dermatologist screening, here are some daily prevention tips.^{9, 10}

• Dark-skinned people need sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) rating of 15 or higher.
• The sun’s rays are strongest between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Stay in the shade when possible.
• Darker colors and tightly woven fabric offer more skin protection than white T-shirts.
• Water, snow and sand reflect the sun’s rays and increase the chances of sunburn. Be careful!

Types of Treatment

New patients who have not yet received treatment may participate in a clinical trial (part of the cancer research process) to determine whether a new treatment would be safer or more effective than a standard treatment. If not, they may receive one or more of these five standard treatments.¹¹

Brief Descriptions of the Treatments

Conclusion

The US Census Bureau projects that by the year 2050, 50 percent of the US population will be comprised of Hispanics, Asians, and African Americans.¹² Now, more than ever, it is important to raise awareness of skin cancer in people of color. Please spread the word!

References

1. Schrijver, Cathy Chermol: Black Women Highest Mortality Risk from Skin Cancer; Essence (07/28/2010)

2. American Cancer Society: What You Should Know About Melanoma, (visited 06/04/2014)

3. Photo Credit: Pictures in the ABCDE Guide are uploaded on Wikimedia Commons by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

4 and 6. Dreisbch, Shaun: The 5 Skin Cancer Mistakes We All Make; Glamour, Condé Nast Publications, NY; (May 2014)

5, 8 and 12.Gohara, Mona MD Perez, Maritza MD: Skin Cancer and Skin of Color, Skin Cancer Foundation ((visited 06/04/2014)

7. Anderson, Jessica Cumberbatch: Skin Cancer In African Americans: Why You Shouldn't Ignore It, Huffing Post (06/01/2012)

9. Gordon, Ed: Skin Cancer Myths and the African-American Community, NPR (08/07/2006)

10. Fox Chase Cancer Center: Sun Safety Tips (06/09/2014)

11. Fox Chase Cancer Center: Skin Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) (02/07/2014)

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

© 2014 Dora Weithers

Comments

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on September 09, 2020:

Peggy, while doing the research for this article I learned a lot, and I believe that there are many who are still as ignorant of the matter as I was. Hoping that at least some would take this information seriously.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on September 09, 2020:

Your information is vital to share with people. Thanks for doing your part to spread the word about skin cancer. Everyone should take precautions to avoid it.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on December 15, 2014:

Thanks, RTalloni for reading and pinning. I appreciate your support.

RTalloni on December 15, 2014:

So glad you posted this information. Pinning to Solve It: Health/Safety w/Tips.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on June 17, 2014:

Well, Rasta, your interest in your appearance pays off. Thanks for stopping by.

Marvin Parke from Jamaica on June 17, 2014:

I know I needed sunscreen but I have never thought about skin cancer. I just used sunscreen to look younger.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on June 12, 2014:

LoveDoc, thank you. People with dark skin were taught that they did not need sunscreen. That's why it is so important to spread the facts now.

lovedoctor926 on June 12, 2014:

Useful info& preventative measures. these moles look painful. you know I often wondered about this since I hardly see anyone with darker shades of skin apply sunscreen. I agree, one should always wear sunblock before and after swimming. the worst time to lay out is b/w 10-2pm and even 3pm. I tend to burn easily even when it's cloudy. ultraviolet rays are harsh esp down here in FL. good hub. txs 4 sharing

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on June 11, 2014:

Nighthag, thanks for weighing in. Yes, this matter concerns people in Australia and in all parts of the world. Please be careful.

K.A.E Grove from Australia on June 11, 2014:

skin cancer is the most common cause of all cancers here in Australia, and with many different types of skin tones, from very dark to light this is vital information for so many across the world. A great hub!

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on June 11, 2014:

Ignugent, so glad you found the article useful. Thanks for your comment.

ignugent17 on June 11, 2014:

Very useful hub MsDora. I have brown skin and I am not worried when I exposed myself to the sun. Learning this information makes me aware the importance of using protection from the sun.

Thanks and have a nice day!

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on June 10, 2014:

Thanks, Jo. Pleased that you're helping me spread the word.

Jo Alexis-Hagues from Lincolnshire, U.K on June 10, 2014:

MsDora, this is a very important article, meticulously researched and presented. Voted up all the way and sharing, everyone needs to read this.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on June 09, 2014:

Thank you, EP. I pray that those who need to, will read the article. It's the most we can do to help people be aware.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on June 09, 2014:

Ologsinquito, I was surprised too with this information. Thank you for reading and sharing.

Elizabeth Parker from Las Vegas, NV on June 09, 2014:

Something everyone should no about and this type of cancer can affect anyone. Great information, MsDora!

ologsinquito from USA on June 09, 2014:

What an excellent article that has the potential to save lives. We usually only hear about how light-skinned people are at risk for this deadly disease. Voted up and shared.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on June 07, 2014:

Camille, I'm happy that I wrote the article, and even happier that you are going to take action. Thanks for sharing.

Camille Harris from DMV on June 07, 2014:

Wow. I'm am SO happy I came across this Hub today, Ms. Dora. I'm dark skinned and have a dark streak on one of my nails that I just assumed was harmless. I wear sunscreen, but only on my face. I'll definitely try to step up my efforts.

Thanks to your Hub, I'm going to do more research on melanoma and see my doctor soon. Thank you.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on June 07, 2014:

Frank, these topics are not on my list of favorites either. I thought that I should write this because other people might be as ignorant as I was until recently when I read a magazine article. Yes, it helps to know, and I'm gld you stopped by.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on June 07, 2014:

Sparkley, glad the article helped you make sense of the plight of dark-skinned people. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on June 07, 2014:

Flourish, thank you for weighing in. Sorry about the misfortune of your coworkers relatives. Hope he acts on the information we now have.

Frank Atanacio from Shelton on June 07, 2014:

Msdora I know the research must have been detailed.. I dislike reading articles on cancer, but I must learn to do so because these articles do help bless you :)

Lynsey Hart from Lanarkshire on June 07, 2014:

I was completely unaware that this was possible! I always remember when I was a little girl, I would ask my mum why dark skinned people had white palms/ nail beds. She told me these areas were protected from the sun, and that black people had special skin that darkened in the sun as their home countries were closer to the equator. It made sense to me then, and I was disappointed to learn that my skin would not darken in the sun (instead goes a lobster red). Anyway, back to the point- it totally makes sense as to why the melanoma would start in these areas... If they don't have regular sun exposure, then one bad spell of burning could damage the areas! Thanks for such an informative hub, and I will advocate the use of sunscreen for everyone!

Elaina Baker from USA on June 07, 2014:

Good information, and very important. I worked with a man whose father and uncle both died of melanoma, and he had a spot detected himself.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on June 06, 2014:

Thanks, Nell for sharing that story, and I'm glad you were aware, and that the young man took your advice. I once thought like he did; that's why I think this advice is worth sharing. Have a great weekend!

Nell Rose from Buckinghamshire UK on June 06, 2014:

Hi MsDora, yes I can quite believe it, my sons best friend who he has known since he was three years old is black, and one year he went on holiday to Greece, when he came back he was really so much darker, and joked he had a suntan, I remember asking him if he had used tan lotion and he said no, why would he need it?! I told him that he could still burn even though he was darker skinned than my fair son, after that he did use it, but it never dawned on him, so this is really useful and I do hope it does bring awareness to darker skinned people, voted up and shared all the way, nell

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on June 06, 2014:

Thank you, Devika. There is still so much for us to learn.

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on June 06, 2014:

I tweeted and Facebook shared such an import hub and i have learned so much more about this disease. Voted up, useful and interesting.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on June 05, 2014:

Eric, thank you for reading. Yes, it is important to share.

Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on June 05, 2014:

Bravo my friend. Thank you for spreading an important word. Knowledge is so powerful thank you again for sharing yours.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on June 05, 2014:

Sheila, thank you. We have the same hope. I already so much more aware.

sheilamyers on June 05, 2014:

Thanks for sharing this information. Hopefully it will make more people aware of the disease and they'll learn what to look for so they can catch it early.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on June 05, 2014:

Thank you, Manatita. Some of this information is new to me, and I thought I'd pass it on.

manatita44 from london on June 05, 2014:

Very educational article on skin cancer and in creating an awareness of the dangers for people with dark skin. Loving thoughts.

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on June 05, 2014:

Jackie, thank you for sharing. Knowing your own body (including the sizes and shapes of those moles) is very helpful, for sure.

Jackie Lynnley from the beautiful south on June 05, 2014:

That sun is for everyone to watch for sure (and tanning beds). I have had to be careful for many years because of medicine I take being more sensitive to the sun; not only the skin but also eyes. It would be harder to detect on a darker person so people really should know their own body and not pass off an unusual coloration for sure! ^+

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on June 05, 2014:

Thanks,Bill! I actually enjoyed the research, and hope that someone else benefits.

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on June 05, 2014:

Nice research, great facts, very interesting, and quite important information. Well done, Dora!

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on June 05, 2014:

Thank you for tweeting the article. I appreciate you.

Al Wordlaw from Chicago on June 05, 2014:

I just exposed this article to Twitter followers! :-)

Dora Weithers (author) from The Caribbean on June 05, 2014:

Word, I learned so much while wrting this article. We really ought to make people aware. Thank you for your comment.

Al Wordlaw from Chicago on June 05, 2014:

Oh, how this is very important information. I strive to live cancer free. Great research MsDora. Voted up!