The US Census Bureau projects that by the year 2050, 50 percent of our population will be Asian, Hispanic, or African American. Within these ethnicities, skin cancer is on the rise, and when it occurs in skins of color, the skin cancer mortality rate is disproportionately high. Leading dermatologists Wendy E. Roberts, M.D., and Mona A. Gohara, M.D. share their expert insights about this alarming problem.
Alarming facts:
- Melanoma is the number one cancer among 25-29 Caucasian women
- A recent study reveals that having skin cancer increases one’s risk of developing another malignancy
- UV radiation (sunshine) and tanning booths are equally called carcinogens by US Health Dept.
- As compared with Caucasians, African Americans have a higher metastasis/death rate when afflicted with Squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma
- One study reveals that Asian women with a history of skin cancer are 5.64 times more likely to report a history of a second malignancy, primarily breast cancer
- The incidence of melanoma among Latinos increased by 32.4% between 1992 and 2004 according to one study
Startling statistics:
- One person dies of melanoma every 62 minutes
- 75% increased risk of melanoma if one’s first exposure to tanning booths is in youth
- 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime
- Skin cancer is the number 1 cancer in the US
- Blistering sunburn in childhood doubles your lifetime risk of melanoma.
What We Can Do: Sun Safety Tips for all
It’s a myth that darker toned skins do not require the use of SPF products prior to sun exposure. In actuality, a person with medium brown skin has a “natural” SPF of 13; an SPF of 30 is recommended to protect from the sun’s harmful rays.
Here are more tips:
- Use 30+ SPF sunscreen with UVA & UVB protection daily year-round
- Remember you need a golf-ball size amount (one-ounce) of sunscreen to cover all exposed areas of the body. (Don’t forget your hands!)
- Use sunscreen first and apply mineral makeup that also includes SPF to provide extra protection for the face. The mineral makeup powder can be brushed on every 2-3hrs without ruining foundation
- Choose a sunscreen formula that will encourage you to use it—there are lots of appealing formulas out there
- Everyone, regardless of skin tone, should protect their skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. For maximal protection, apply vitamin C- and E-based moisturizers (antioxidants) with SPF during the day and a retinoid at night.
- Avoid using retinoid-based products during the day and on the night before outdoor activities such as golf, tennis and sailing.
- Stay away from tanning beds
- Examine yourself for possible signs of skin cancer once a month
- Schedule an annual full-body skin cancer screening exam by a dermatologist
Hyperpigmentation is a problem affecting many with darker complexioned skin, and can be exasperated by damage due to sun exposure. Doctors recommend using retinol, derived from vitamin A, for treatment and prevention.
- Using retinols boosts the properties of other bleaching agents used for Hyperpigmentation, such as hydroquinone.
- Retinols provide maintenance treatment for people who have discontinued bleaching agents
- High-strength retinoids may be prescribed by the Dermatologist. These can be combined with other bleaching agents to make powerful anti-pigmentation creams. Please consult with your doctor or dermatologist before use.
