Navigating Skin Cancer Treatment

It’s a common misconception that darker skin means lower risk of skin cancer. Just like any disease, skin cancer does not discriminate based on the color of your skin. It does not matter if you are Caucasian or have a darker skin tone. So, what does this mean for people in the BIPOC community?

It means the BIPOC community should adopt practices, like using sun-protection products, especially those designed for melanin-rich skin. This can help prevent skin cancer. Additionally, the BIPOC community should monitor their bodies for early cancer detection, since this prevents late diagnosis. In the most unfavorable outcome, they need to deal with the challenges of skin cancer treatment. Nonetheless, with a little information and the list of skin protection products for melanin-rich skin below, protecting your skin from cancer doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

The Impact of Skin Cancer on the BIPOC Community

Although skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States, is prominent in Caucasians, it also affects 4% to 5% Hispanics, 1% to 2% Blacks, and 2% to 4% Asians. This low percentage figure is because the increased melanin in darker skin filters the radiation more effectively. However, this is still not enough to prevent skin cancer.

Debunking Skin Cancer myths in darker skin tones

What you believe about skin cancer and melanin-rich skin may not be accurate. In fact, many people in the BIPOC community lack basic knowledge about skin cancer on darker skin. Let’s clarify a few of those misconceptions about skin cancer and darker skin tones.

Skin cancer affects people of all skin colors, even those who don’t easily burn. This means if you have a darker skin tone, tan easily or do not burn easily, you can still develop skin cancer.
Skin cancer in people of color is usually diagnosed in the later stages which can result in a more negative outcome. This emphasizes the importance of a greater awareness.
In people with darker skin, skin cancer usually presents itself in areas that receive minimal sun exposure such as underneath your feet or in the palms of your hands.
Melanoma is not the only type of skin cancer. In fact, there are multiple types of skin cancers, which are grouped into Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC) and Melanoma Skin Cancer (MSC). Non-melanoma skin cancers are more common, but they are less challenging to treat and have a better long-term prognosis. Their lower fatality rate is because they typically stay localized, simplifying treatment.

Ways to Reduce the Risk of Skin Cancer in the BIPOC Community

Although skin cancer can occur in people of all skin colors, there are ways to reduce the risk of developing it. These include:

Choosing shaded areas over non-shaded ones
Wearing clothing that shields your skin from sunlight such as a wide-brim hat and shoes that cover the entire feet
Avoiding tanning beds and sunlamps
Applying sunscreen when in sunlight
- Applying sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors on dry skin everyday
- Reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours

Sun Protection Products for Melanin-Rich Skin

The ideal sunscreen for the BIPOC community is SPF 30 or higher, containing active ingredients such as zinc oxide, titanium oxide, or avobenzone that shield against UVA and UVB rays. These sunscreens should also be resistant to water, and have broad-spectrum protection. Broad-spectrum protection refers to protection against all types of UV light, which includes UV-A, UV-B and UV-C.

Recommended sun protection products for melanin-rich skin include:

Black Girl Sunscreen – Face and Body Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion
Black Girl Sunscreen (Kids) – Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion for Face and Body
Soug Sunscreen – Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion for Face and Body
Extrashade Daily Defense Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion
InnisFree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen

Screening for Skin Cancer

When someone of color is diagnosed with skin cancer, the disease is usually in the later stages. This makes treatment more difficult because of the disease’s advanced state. Therefore, dermatologists recommend monthly skin self-exams. These are full-body exams that can be performed with a full-length mirror and a partner. If a partner is not available, a hand-held mirror can work as a substitute.

To perform this exam, inspect your skin from head to toe, including areas that may be hard to see. This means your scalp, back, and even your soles. Look for dark spots, skin growth, or any changes in the skin. Sores that are not healing properly, as well as rough and dry patches on the skin, should be considered. Also, check your fingernails and toenails for dark lines underneath them. The ABCDEs can serve as a useful guide for people of color to detect melanoma early. If you find something abnormal, contact a dermatologist.

Skin Cancer Stories from the BIPOC Community

Norma Gainers

Though occasionally dealing with blemishes, Norma, an African American woman with clear skin, rarely required a dermatologist’s attention. So she was surprised by her diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma on her scalp, particularly because she thought her hair provided protection and she wasn’t often in the sunlight. Thankfully, after the Mohs surgical procedure, her doctors successfully removed all cancer cells.

Joshua Pascal

Sophomore football player Joshua Pascal never imagined developing skin cancer, especially at such a young age. However, in August 2018, he was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. It all started when the University of Kentucky student noticed a small spot at the bottom of his foot which stung and felt like a blister. Joshua underwent three surgeries and received treatments like immunotherapy to become cancer free. His situation highlights the importance of early detection for successful cancer treatment.

Key Insights about Skin Cancer and Sun Protection Products for Melanin-Rich Skin

With darker skin, tanning easily and not burning easily can be deceptive. It can lead people, especially those with darker complexions to believe they cannot develop skin cancer. This is simply not true. Skin cancer can develop in anyone regardless of race. Therefore, people with darker skin tones should also take precautions to prevent this disease. In fact, since skin cancer predominantly occurs in unnoticeable areas in people with darker complexions, they should regularly inspect their bodies for abnormalities in their skin.

There are several sun protection products on the market, including those specifically designed for individuals in the BIPOC community. Using these products can help prevent skin cancer. Additionally, wearing protective clothing, as well as refraining from tanning beds, and sunlamps can also help prevent skin cancer. Remember, if all precautionary measures fail, treatments for skin cancers are available. However, taking precautions, such as using recommended sun protection products for melanin-rich skin, can reduce the risk of developing skin cancers.