While skin cancer predominantly affects people with fair skin tones, when people with brown and black skin do get skin cancer, they’re more likely to be diagnosed at a later, more advanced stage. This is a problem because skin cancer is often easily treatable by surgery during early stages. At later stages, it can be harder to treat successfully.
References
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Skin cancer in people of color.
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Sunscreen FAQS.
Association of American Medical Colleges. (2022). Why are so many Black patients dying of skin cancer?
Skin Cancer Foundation. (2020) Ask the expert: Is there a skin cancer crisis in people of color?
Why trust our experts?
Reviewed by:
Mera Goodman, MD, FAAPMera Goodman, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician. Prior to practicing medicine, she worked as a management consultant.
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