Can dark-skinned people get skin cancer?
Yes! Although fair-skinned people are at greater risk, darker skin can develop cancer, particularly melanoma – the rates of skin cancer in African Americans, in fact, are on the rise. Evidence also suggests that melanoma is deadlier in dark-skinned individuals, likely due to delayed diagnosis in patients who wrongly assume skin cancer can’t affect them. Everyone should pay attention to their skin and get annual skin checks from a dermatologist. According to the American Cancer Society, about half of all melanomas in African Americans occur on the palms and feet and around the fingernails, so don’t ignore those areas. Finally, even if your skin doesn’t burn, you are still being exposed to dangerous UV rays – everyone should wear broad-spectrum sunscreen (sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays) every day. No exceptions. If a mole starts itching, could it be skin cancer? Skin cancer most frequently manifests as a mole or bump that grows rapidly, a patch of skin that doesn’t heal
