Skin cancer can look different on dark skin, and a person often receives a diagnosis at a later stage. Visit a dermatologist if you notice changes on your skin, including a mark with abnormal color, shape, or size.
Skin cancer is cancer that begins in the skin. It’s the
One potential risk factor for developing skin cancer is having a light skin tone. However, it’s important to know that skin cancer can happen in skin of all colors, including dark skin.
Continue reading to learn more about skin cancer on dark skin, how to spot it, as well as prevention strategies you can use in your daily life.
Yes, Black people can develop skin cancer. Regardless of race or ethnicity, anyone can be exposed to the same environmental risk factors, such as UV rays.
Overall, skin cancer is less common in Black people. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that in 2021 (the most recent data available), one case of melanoma occurred per 100,000 Black people, compared with 30 cases per 100,000 white people.
Why is skin cancer less common in Black people?
It’s necessary to know a little about skin biology to understand why skin cancer is less common in Black people.
Usually, all skin contains a pigment called melanin. However, compared with light skin, dark skin has a higher amount of melanin.
Higher amounts of melanin absorb more UV rays from the sun, helping to better protect skin cells from harm. This level of protection isn’t present in pale skin, making it more vulnerable to damage from UV rays.
What are the risks associated with skin cancer in Black people?
As skin cancer is less common in Black people, some may perceive their risk of skin cancer as low. They may not seek care for potentially cancerous skin changes.
A
- Many study participants perceived themselves to have a low risk of skin cancer due to having a darker skin tone or a lack of family history of skin cancer.
- Black participants reported skin cancer symptoms more inconsistently than Latino participants.
- Few study participants reported regular use of sun protection behaviors.
Many times, Black people don’t receive a diagnosis until its later stages. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), 22% of melanomas in Black people receive a diagnosis after the cancer has already spread to surrounding lymph nodes, and 14% when the cancer has spread to distant lymph nodes and other organs.
Receiving a diagnosis at a later stage can make skin cancer more challenging to treat. It can also negatively affect the outlook.
It’s possible for other people of color to develop skin cancer. It’s associated with the same types of risks as in Black people.
Compared with white people, the rate of skin cancer in other people of color is lower. However, it’s higher than in Black people. For example, according to data from the AAD, the lifetime risk of developing skin cancer is:
- 10.7 per 100,000 Native American people
- 1 per 200 Latino people
- 1.3 per 100,000 Asian and Pacific Islander people
There are several types of skin cancer. It’s possible that some types may be more common in certain people of color than in others.
For example, basal cell carcinoma is
The main symptom of skin cancer is a change in an area of skin. This sounds very general, so let’s dive deeper into some general qualities to look for.
Not all skin cancers appear the same. It’s possible that a cancerous area could have one, a few, or all of the characteristics listed below.
What’s important is that you make an appointment with a dermatologist if you have concerns about a certain area. They can evaluate the area to help determine whether it may be skin cancer.
Location
Generally speaking, skin cancer often appears on areas of the body that get frequent sunlight exposure. Some examples of such areas include the:
Additionally, skin cancer on dark skin tends to show up more often in specific areas of the body. These include the:
- bottom of the foot
- lower legs
- palms
- under a fingernail or toenail
- groin
Remember that skin cancer can show up anywhere on your body. If you notice an area that’s concerning, regardless of location, be sure to contact a dermatologist.
Color
A cancerous area can have a different color from the surrounding area of skin. It’s typically darker. On dark skin, this may appear as:
- dark brown
- purple
- ashen gray
- black
Another thing to look out for with spots or moles is color distribution. A cancerous mole or spot may not have even color throughout. For example, some areas may be darker or lighter than others.
Shape
Spots or moles that may be cancerous are often different in shape than other spots and moles on your body. Look for spots or moles with an irregular or asymmetrical shape or a jagged border.
Size
A spot or mole may be quite large for some types of skin cancer, such as melanoma. A good metric to use would be to look for suspicious areas
Bleeding
It’s possible that an area affected by skin cancer may bleed or form into a sore.
Texture
Some types of skin cancer, such as basal and squamous cell carcinoma, may appear as an area that feels dry, scaly, or rough compared with the surrounding skin.
Evolution
Skin cancer often evolves or changes over time. For example, you may notice that an area of concern becomes larger or forms a sore that either doesn’t heal or comes back.
A dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in skin conditions, usually diagnoses skin cancer. The first steps include taking your medical history and performing a physical exam.
The physical exam will include a skin exam, during which your dermatologist checks your skin for any irregular spots or bumps. If they find an area that has a concerning color, size, or shape, they’ll perform a skin biopsy.
During a skin biopsy, all or a portion of the irregular-looking area is carefully removed using a sterile instrument. Local anesthesia will numb the area so you won’t feel pain during the procedure.
The biopsy sample is sent to a lab to check under a microscope for signs of cancer. When the analysis is complete, your dermatologist will receive a report of the results, which they’ll then communicate to you.
Overall, the treatment recommended for skin cancer depends on factors such as the type of cancer, its stage, and its location on the body.
Surgery is often a treatment for many types of skin cancer, particularly if cancer hasn’t spread to other areas. Several types of procedures that may be an option:
- Excision: Excision uses a small blade to cut away the affected area.
- Curettage and electrodesiccation: A sharp tool called a curette is used to remove the cancerous area. Then, a tool that generates an electric current is used to burn and kill remaining cancer cells and stop bleeding.
- Cryosurgery: Cryosurgery uses a special instrument to freeze and kill cancerous cells in the affected area.
- Mohs surgery: Mohs surgery aims to remove as little tissue as possible, often for areas like the face, genitals, and fingers. The procedure involves removing small layers of tissue and checking each layer under a microscope for cancer cells until none are detectable.
Other treatments may be in addition to or instead of surgery, particularly if cancer has metastasized (spread) to other parts of the body. Some examples include:
- Radiation: Radiation therapy uses high energy radiation to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of strong drugs that can kill cancer cells or slow their growth.
- Immunotherapy: This type of cancer treatment works to help your immune system identify and destroy cancer cells.
- Targeted therapy: This therapy is directed at specific molecules present in cancer cells. It may cause less damage to healthy tissue than radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Finding care for skin cancer if you are Black
If you’re looking for skin cancer care that focuses on dark skin, several resources can help:
- AAD: The AAD has a search tool to help you find a board certified dermatologist in your area. Be sure to filter your search for a practice that focuses on skin of color.
- Skin of Color Society. The Skin of Color Society aims to promote awareness and raise excellence in dermatology for skin of color.
- Black Derm Directory. The Black Derm Directory is a resource to help you find a dermatologist who specifically focuses on conditions affecting dark skin.
In general, skin cancer is due to genetic changes that occur in the DNA of our cells. Sometimes, these changes can be harmful, causing cells to begin to grow and divide out of control.
UV radiation from the sun can cause UVA damage. Because of this, frequent exposure to UV rays in the form of sunlight or UV lamps is associated with an increased risk of skin cancer.
However, not all types of skin cancer may be associated with sun exposure. Indeed, some skin cancers in Black people occur in areas without much sunlight exposure, such as the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, and nails.
This type of skin cancer is called acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM). Some dermatologists have reported that ALM makes up
Doctors don’t yet know what causes ALM. However, genetic factors may play a role.
You may be able to help prevent skin cancer by:
- Choosing shade: Exposure to UV rays causes many types of skin cancer. If you’re outside, try to stay out of direct sunlight.
- Steering clear of the sun during certain times: Aim to avoid being outside when the sun is strongest, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Instead, aim to be outside either earlier or later in the day.
- Wearing sunscreen: If you’re going to be out in the sun, make sure to wear sunscreen. Some tips include:
- Selecting a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Applying your sunscreen about 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure. This allows it to better soak into your skin.
- Remembering to put sunscreen on areas like the tops of the feet, ears, and back of the neck.
- Reapplying your sunscreen every 2 hours or after sweating or swimming.
- Considering suitable clothing: Take steps to cover areas that may be exposed to sunlight. Examples of items to consider include wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves or pants.
- Checking your skin: Perform a thorough check of your skin once a month. Look for spots or bumps that are irregular in color, size, or shape. If you notice anything concerning, contact a dermatologist.
Black people often receive a skin cancer diagnosis in its later stages. Because of this, the outlook can sometimes be less favorable.
For example, a
Later diagnosis may be due to various factors, such as:
- lower awareness of the signs and symptoms of skin cancer
- less frequent use of sun protection
- unequal access to healthcare
As with many cancers, the outlook is better when skin cancer is detected and treated early. It is possible to cure most skin cancers, including melanoma, when found early.
As such, it’s vital to take steps to prevent skin cancer, regardless of the color of your skin. These can include doing regular skin checks and protecting yourself from UV rays. If you ever notice anything concerning, consult a dermatologist.
Although it’s less common, Black people can get skin cancer. Skin cancer is often diagnosed later in Black people, making it more challenging to treat and potentially leading to a less favorable outlook.
Skin cancer is associated with changes in the skin that can include areas with an abnormal color, shape, or size. In Black people, skin cancer can often develop in areas like the soles of the feet, lower legs, and palms.
When detected early, most skin cancers are curable. Make sure to visit a dermatologist if you notice a concerning area of skin. They can help determine whether skin cancer may be present.