Black or white, everyone is at risk of melanoma – scientists say

People with black skin are more likely to die from skin cancer Researchers studied nearly 97,000 patients diagnosed with melanoma – White people have the highest incidence rates but more chances for survival Black or white, everyone is at risk of skin cancer, regardless of race. Such a conclusion was made by a team of researchers from the Case Western Reserve University, in Cleveland.

The study involved nearly 97,000 patients diagnosed with skin cancer, also known as melanoma, between 1992 and 2009.
It showed that patients of African-American descent were more likely to die from skin cancer, while people with white skin are more prone to this type of cancer but also have the best survival rates. Hispanic patients were second most likely to survive the deadly disease, followed by Asian American’s, Native American’s and Pacific Islanders. Study author Dr Jeremy Bordeaux said: “Everyone is at risk for skin cancer, regardless of race. Patients with skin of colour may believe they aren’t at risk, but that is not the case and when they do get skin cancer, it may be especially deadly. Because skin cancer can affect anyone, everyone should be proactive about skin cancer prevention and detection. 

Don’t let this potentially deadly disease sneak up on you because you don’t think it can happen to you.”
Scientists believe that phenomenon is explained by black patients disbelief that irregular spots on their skin could pose a risk. Besides, there may be biologic differences in melanoma among patients with skin of colour, resulting in more aggressive disease in these patients. But more research is necessary to determine why survival rates differ among different ethnic groups. Meanwhile, doctors recommend to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with high SPF regardless of skin colour.