Skin cancer is color blind

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Moles located on the face, neck, and even the hands could be indicators that skin cancer is present.

African Americans are constantly warned about prostate cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer.? Although these are the most common cancers amongst African Americans, skin cancer is something that should not be taken lightly.

Since skin cancer is most common amongst people with fair skin, African American believes that they are automatically protected from it.

It is true that darker pigment protects skin from harmful rays to some extent. Skin cancer in blacks isn?t nearly as common as it is in other ethnic groups. It comprises just 1 percent to 2 percent of all cancers among blacks. But the fatality rate for African-Americans with melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, is almost double that of Caucasians, said Dr. Barone a Toledo area plastic surgeon who also performs medical skin care said.

Moles located on the face, neck, and even the hands could be indicators that skin cancer is present.

He says that Melanoma is not picked up as early in African Americans and once it is discovered it is more likely to be fatal.

In 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that of the more than 53,000 people diagnosed with skin cancer. Only 311 of those were black and out of that 311, 126 died from melanomas.

A notable case of skin cancer in the black community is when reggae legend Bob Marley discovered a type of malignant melanoma under one of his toe nails. The cancer spread to his lungs and brain, causing his death at age 36.

Most black people do not feel that they need sunscreen. Many are not aware of the severity of skin cancer or what it can do to black people.

Some are aware of the importance of sunscreen, but still choose not to wear it.

Sherie Moore works out four to five times a week outdoors at Wildwood Park. The Toledo woman, 40, is aware of the possibility of skin cancer, yet she?s never worn sunscreen.

?I used to think that [black people] couldn?t get it, but I know that?s not true,? Ms. Moore said. ?Other than when I?m working out, I?m not usually outdoors. Wildwood is pretty shady, so I figured I didn?t need [sunscreen].?

Skin cancer develops over time. The more exposed a person is to the sun; the more likely they are to get skin cancer. The damage can start at any age to anyone.

Source: http://tbann.com/blog/skin-cancer-is-color-blind/

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