Questions & Answers
1. Since darker skin does not burn easily, is it necessary for blacks to use sunscreen?
People with darker skin tan more easily than others, but tanning is a form of skin damage. Tanning occurs when ultraviolet (UV) radiation is absorbed by the skin, causing an increase in the activity and number of melanocytes, the cells that make the pigment melanin. UV exposure can raise skin cancer risk even without causing sunburn. So blacks should wear sunscreen to protect against the skin damage caused by UV radiation.
2. What type of sunglasses best protect the eyes from ultraviolet light?
Research has shown that long hours in the sun without protecting your eyes increase your chances of developing eye disease. UV-blocking sunglasses can help protect your eyes from sun damage.
The ideal sunglasses do not have to be expensive, but they should block 99 percent to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. Check the label to be sure they do. Some labels may say, “UV absorption up to 400 nm.” This is the same as 100 percent UV absorption. Also, labels that say “Meets ANSI UV Requirements” mean the glasses block at least 99 percent of UV rays. Those labeled “cosmetic” block about 70 percent of the UV rays. If there is no label, assume the sunglasses don’t provide any protection.
3. Since the incidence of skin cancer is low in African Americans, is it necessary for blacks to check their skin regularly for signs of skin cancer?
Yes, because most skin cancers are curable if treated early.
4. Why is the survival rate for melanoma lower in African Americans than in white people?
Research shows that survival among African American melanoma patients is poor even after taking into account differences in cancer stage, treatment disparities or differences in socioeconomic factors. Scientists continue to work on explanations for the difference in survival rate.
5. How can one differentiate between a mole and skin
cancer?
Examine your skin with a mirror. Pay close attention to areas of your skin that are often exposed to the sun, such as the hands, arms, chest and head. The following ABCDEs are important signs of moles that could be cancerous. If a mole shows any of the signs listed below, have it checked immediately by a dermatologist:
• Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the
other half
• Border: The border or edges of the mole are ragged,
blurred or irregular
• Color: The mole has different colors or it has shades of tan, brown, black, blue, white or red
• Diameter: The diameter of the mole is larger than the
eraser of a pencil
• Elevation: The mole appears elevated (raised from the skin)
6. If a discoloration of the skin is flat, does that mean it is not melanoma?
No. Melanomas can be flat as well.
7. What is the most common skin cancer in blacks and why?
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common skin cancer in African Americans and is more frequently seen in non-sun exposed regions in African American patients.
Factors that have been associated with SCC in African Americans include albinism, burn scars, chronic inflammation and chronic discoid lupus.
8. Since blacks often develop benign (non-cancerous) skin lesions, how can they differentiate them from skin cancer?
Blacks should also perform regular skin examinations and perform the ABDEs to determine if they have lesions that are changing.
|
|
Lisa Michelle Owens, M.D.
Medical Director
Brigham Primary Physicians at
Faulkner Hospital
|
|
