Skin Cancer Precautions for All Skin Tones | On Call with Dr. Mallika

Understanding Skin Cancer Risk Across Skin Tones

• 💡 While darker skin tones have more melanin, offering some protection against UV radiation, they are not immune to skin cancer.
• ⚠️ When skin cancer, including the deadliest form, melanoma, does develop in people of color, it's often diagnosed at advanced stages.
• 📈 Statistics show that compared to white individuals, people of color are up to four times more likely to be diagnosed with advanced melanoma and 1.5 times more likely to die from it.

Reasons for Advanced Diagnosis in People of Color

• 📍 Melanoma in people of color frequently appears in areas with less sun exposure, such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and under the nails, making it easily missed.
• 🏥 Access to quality healthcare, including dermatologists, is often limited for people of color.
• 🔍 Healthcare professionals may be less likely to screen for skin cancer in darker-skinned patients.

Essential Skin Cancer Prevention for Everyone

• 🧴 Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, reapplying every two hours or more frequently if sweating or swimming.
• 👕 Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, especially during peak sun hours.
• 🔍 Regularly check your skin for any new or unusual moles, growths, or sores that do not heal, paying close attention to hard-to-see areas.
• ✅ If any unusual changes are noticed, seek prompt examination by a primary care provider or dermatologist.