Skin Cancer in People of Color: Myths & Facts

It’s time to face the facts: skin cancer can develop in individuals of all skin colors, including those with darker skin tones. Even though skin cancer is less prevalent in nonwhite racial ethnic groups, such as brown and black communities, research shows that skin cancer rates are rising among people of color. 

We’re here to help clear up any confusion and provide you with expert information regarding skin cancer in people of color by covering some common myths and highlighting a few important facts. 

Because individuals with darker skin tones tend to not get as burnt from the sun as those with lighter skin tones, many people believe they are immune to the damaging effects of UV radiation, including skin cancer. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. 

According to the Columbia University Department of Dermatology, “studies show that Black and Hispanic Americans who live in sunnier parts of the country have greater rates of melanoma and that UV radiation also correlates with other types of skin cancer in people with darker skin tones.” 

Even more concerning is that when skin cancers are diagnosed in people of color, they tend to be diagnosed at a later stage, which means a worse prognosis. One study, for example, found an average five-year melanoma survival rate of only 67 percent in Black people versus 92 percent in white people. 

There’s a common myth that skin cancer only shows up on skin-exposed areas, such as the scalp, ears, hands, back, neck, and shoulders. While this is more common among people with lighter skin tones, it’s not necessarily true for people of color. 

According to data collected by The Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancers in people of color can be more difficult to detect since they occur in less-exposed, out-of-the-way areas.

For instance, melanoma in people of color most commonly shows up on the lower extremities (more specifically: the soles of the feet). 

Since many skin cancers show up on the skin as irregular moles, discolored brown spots, small sores, or pearly nodules, many believe that it’s harder to spot these abnormalities and, as a result, harder to diagnose skin cancer in people of color. 

While it may be hard for everyday individuals to evaluate their skin and identify an abnormality, this shouldn’t be an issue for a trained and experienced dermatologist. 

At the Skin Surgery Center, our team of board-certified physicians know what to look for when it comes to skin cancer. Whether it’s pointing out a suspicious spot on someone with lighter skin, or uncovering an abnormal mole on a patient of color, we know how to identify and treat all forms of skin cancer. 

This is why it’s important to schedule an annual skin cancer screening, even if you believe you’re not at risk.