Melanoma and Skin Cancer in People with Dark Skin Color

It is a common misconception that people with darker complexions, an indication of rich melanin pigment in their skin cells, are completely protected from the sun’s UV rays, the actual cause of skin cancer. In fact, contrary to this popular belief, having dark skin does not even guarantee instant protection against deadly melanomas.

Melanoma, while one of the least common forms of skin cancer, is also its most fatal. It often starts out as a mole, which is generally brushed off by people as a mere pimple, only to find out later that it is already a growing cancerous tumor beneath.

Most people link skin cancer with too much sun exposure but that’s not entirely the case. Lower survival rates are rooted in a lot of misconceptions and delayed diagnosis. Melanomas are likely caused by genetics rather than the ultraviolet radiation from the sun. It has also found out to likely develop on well-covered, sun protected areas of the body among Asians, Hispanics, and blacks.

Statistics

Only about 15 percent of melanomas are brought about by excessive exposure to the sun, and that is typically in skin types that are heavily freckled and damaged by the sun. In fact, while melanoma is commonly diagnosed among white people, the death rates from the cancer are higher within people of color based on an American Academy of Dermatology study in 2016.

More often than not, Hispanic, Asian, and black melanoma cancer patients firmly believe that this particular type of skin cancer is only a danger for white people who are actively seeking the sun. However, regardless of skin color, any person can develop melanoma. These cancer cells can grow in various parts of the body regardless of whether they’re exposed to the sun or not.

Do moles indicate melanoma?

Melanomas spring from skin cells known as melanocytes, which are commonly found in the outermost layer of the skin or the epidermis. They are responsible behind producing melanin, giving the skin its color, as well as protecting the skin cells against the damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays.

But there are abnormal variations of melanocytes which lead to common skin growths, more commonly known to us as moles. Most moles in the body may be harmless, but some varieties end up developing into melanoma.

Melanomas are considerably more dangerous than the other types of skin cancer since the malignant cells can easily spread even if the tumor is not bleeding, causing any itching or pain, or is relatively small.

Importance of early detection

Melanoma survival is largely accounted on early detection of potential cancer sites in the body. Noticing a new or changing mole, even on a sun-protected site, can go a long way. Thus, medical assistance from health professionals is always advised. As the old saying goes, better safe than sorry.

Dermatologists also stress the importance of self-examinations at least once every month. Areas on the body which may be difficult to see should be thoroughly checked, in order to look for any developing moles or if pre-existing moles undergo a change in color, shape, and size.

The most common sites for melanoma to occur in are the palm of the hands, soles, mucous membranes, nailbeds, genitals, and the perianal area, among areas that are not typically exposed to the sun. Notably, these are areas that are difficult to self-examine, as well as commonly unchecked.

Nobody is granted an exemption from the risks of melanoma and skin cancer in general. If left ignored, melanoma can progress devastatingly without leaving any symptoms nor signs — which makes it a silent killer regardless of skin color. Delayed diagnosis may result to increased risks or even death, hence it is better to practice vigilance and caution at all times.

Consult a dermatologist or other health professionals immediately after spotting a bizarre mole growing in the body, or having multiple sunburns and a lot of freckles.