Can Different Skin Tones Pose an Increased Risk of Skin Cancer?
As one of the most common cancers in the United States, skin cancer can be caused by many different factors. While anyone concerned about their risk of skin cancer should consult a dermatologist, there are certain factors that can somebody more likely to develop cancer. The two most common forms of skin cancer are basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas – “highly curable, but can be disfiguring and costly.” A large majority of skin cancer is caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, invisible radiation that comes from the sun, tanning beds and sunlamps that can penetrate and change skin cells, according to the CDC. And while any one can develop skin cancer on any part of their body, a new study says that certain skin tones are more prone to skin cancer in specific areas. No matter your skin tone, it’s important that you seek out some professional medical help if you have any suspicions regarding skin cancer and your own body.
Here are the areas you should pay a little more attention to when inspecting your body, based on your skin color (according to the American Academy of Dermatology).
Deep to Dark Skin Tones
The American Academy of Dermatology reports that skin cancer is most deadly for African Americans who have a 73 percent, five-year survival rate when compared to a 93 percent survival rate of Caucasians, because it is most often discovered in its later stages. “Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common skin malignancy among African-Americans and Asian Indians. This form of skin cancer occurs mainly on the legs, with the next most common location being the skin around the butt and genitals. Deep skin tones are also at a higher risk in unusual areas, like the palms, soles of feet and underneath the nails,” says Whitney Bowe, M.D., a New York City dermatologist. The Skin Cancer Foundation also reports that depending on your skin tone, certain skin cancers can be caused by factors other than UV exposure, like genetics.
Tan to Olive Skin Tones
Women’s Health Magazine reports that a whopping 89 percent of basal cell carcinomas on naturally brown skin occur on the head or neck. Bowe also explains, “The sides of the neck in men and women, and the back of the neck in men who don’t have longer hair to protect it, are especially prone to basal cell carcinoma.” Also reported in the study, Melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) occurs most often in “Asians, Filipinos, Indonesians, and native Hawaiians in places you’d least expect like palms, soles of feet and underneath the nails.” A great inspection tip to those with tan to olive skin is to inspect your nail without nail polish on to see any changes in the color of your nail beds.
Medium Skin Tones
Complacency is the biggest risk for those with a medium skin tone because you do not burn as easily as you tan. Bowe explains, “When you have skin that tans evenly, it’s very tempting to keep ‘refreshing’ that healthy-looking glow. It is hardest to convince medium skin tones to stop tanning or switch to safe self-tanning products.” Even if you are sure to apply sunscreen to your body, you may miss areas like your hairline, ears, scalp, eyelids and around your lips that can more commonly develop skin cancer.
Very Fair to Fair Skin Tones
Not surprising for those with fair skin, burning comes easily. You are the most susceptible skin tone for all three forms of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma (according to Women’s Health Magazine). Bowe explains that the danger of those with fair skin comes from overlooked areas that you may miss while applying sunscreen – “Common spots that people forget to protect, and that I often diagnose with skin cancer, are the hairline, ears, scalp, eyelids and around the lips.” The good news? Skin cancer is usually curable when detected early. Be on the lookout for moles or any strange additions to your skin. If you see any abnormalities, head to your dermatologist for further investigation.
Source: http://www.womenshealthmag.com
Which skin tone category do you fall under? What skin protecting strategies do you practice all year long? Leave us a comment and join the conversation!
