This article is part of our series looking at how Black Americans navigate the healthcare system. According to ourexclusive survey, one in three Black Americans report having experienced racism while seeking medical care. In aroundtable conversation, our Medical Expert Board called for better representation among providers to help solve this widespread problem.
Key TakeawaysWhile skin cancer is less common in Black people, it’s still possible to develop the condition.Black people are often diagnosed with skin cancer at later stages.It’s important to watch for warning signs on your skin and advocate for your health.
Key Takeaways
While skin cancer is less common in Black people, it’s still possible to develop the condition.Black people are often diagnosed with skin cancer at later stages.It’s important to watch for warning signs on your skin and advocate for your health.
As I sat in my office in December of 2019, I received a phone call from my dermatologist. She had just completed a last-minute biopsy on me two days prior. I wasn’t prepared for the news I was about to receive.
“You have skin cancer,” she told me. Within those few minutes of that call, I was diagnosed withdermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP).
I was also shocked that I, a Black woman, could even be diagnosed with skin cancer.
Symptoms of Skin Cancer
The Black community rarely talks about skin cancer and its impact on us. Despite the massive production of t-shirts and apparel bragging about our “sun-kissed skin,” our melanin won’t save us from a skin cancer diagnosis.Melaninis a dark pigment found in the skin, eyes, and hair, which gives them color and can protect them against the harmful effects of UV light. While it offers protection, it does not promise immunity from skin cancer.
And it wasn’t basking in the sun that led to my diagnosis.
While Black people can still develop skin cancer as a result of direct sun exposure, there are many other skin cancers that are not a consequence of UV rays. DFSP is a rare form of soft tissue sarcoma—a group of cancers that affect tissues such as skin, fat, and muscle. DFSP does not stem from sun exposure, and researchers are still examining what causes the tumor.
My dermatologist recommendedMohs surgery, which I underwent in January of 2020 to remove the tumor. The process was supposed to be quick, and recovery wouldn’t be long. However, my journey took a sharp turn when my pathology report returned post-surgery. The tumor had made its way into the deep layers of my skin and grew like the roots of a tree trunk. I would need to undergo additional surgery.
What Does Skin Cancer on the Face Look Like?
Research shows that when Black people develop skin cancer, they’re often diagnosed at a late stage.This makes it harder to treat.
Pushing off your visit to the dermatologist can lead to a late diagnosis, but even being diligent and scheduling an appointment may yield the same consequences. Many dermatologists are unfamiliar with Black skin and/or are aware that Black people get skin cancer at a lower rate than others. Because of this, some dermatologists may miss the opportunity to diagnose an individual who has skin cancer early.
For individuals who havemelanoma, a delay can turn deadly as it can quickly spread.
While Black people are less likely to be diagnosed with melanoma compared to White people, they also face a much greater risk of death.Barriers to care and lack of representation in dermatology only further reinforce the disparities and institutional racism the Black community faces.
In total, I underwent three surgeries and now have to visit my cancer center every six months to ensure that the tumor does not return. In sharing my journey with others, I’ve found that there is a lack of skin cancer education that lets misconceptions spread within the Black community.
Skin Cancer Types: Most Common and Fatal Types with Pictures
How to Take Charge of Your Skin Health
Here are four things we should be doing as African Americans to ensure that we don’t ignore what our skin is trying to tell us:
Check Your Skin
This can be done before or after showering and should be done at least once a month.
For melanated skin, you’d want to identify anything that may look like a:
Utilize a mirror or the assistance of a partner to check your body for any unusual skin tags, bumps, or bruises.
Wear Sunscreen Daily
As a community, we are well aware that our melanin remains our greatest protector. Despite this natural protection, we still need to shade our skin from the power of UV rays.
Which Facial Sunscreens Do Dermatologists Actually Recommend?
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you should wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) daily. You should also try to stay out of the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., do your best not to get sunburned, and cover up.You can check out thisguide from the Skin Cancer Foundationfor more helpful tips on how to protect your skin.
Schedule an Annual Visit With a Dermatologist
When scheduling your annual exams, be sure to include a visit to your dermatologist.
These medical practitioners are qualified to diagnose and treat skin disorders. Ask them to check your skin if you were unsuccessful in thoroughly completing a skin check on your own. Be sure to utilize your visit to address any concerns you may have.
My Doctor Ordered a Bone Marrow Biopsy: What Happens Next?
If you do notice something on your skin, you’ll specifically want to ask for a biopsy. This is the only way to diagnose skin cancer and can be done during your visit.
Advocate For Yourself
There is still a lack of diversity in the medical field. Many dermatologists are unfamiliar with Black skin. Research and find a dermatologist that you believe can best fit your needs. For Black people, this may mean identifying a dermatologist who looks like you.
If that’s not possible, finding one who understands melanated skin is key.If your dermatologist won’t take your concerns seriously, find one who will.
Above all, early detection is crucial and key. Loving our melanin means we must place an emphasis on protecting it.
Ask an Expert: How Can I Find a Dermatologist Who Specializes in Skin of Color?
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Culp MB, Lunsford NB.Melanoma among non-Hispanic Black Americans.Prev Chronic Dis.2019;16:180640. doi:10.5888/pcd16.180640Nelson B.How dermatology is failing melanoma patients with skin of color.Cancer Cytopathol. 2020;128(1):7-8. doi:10.1002/cncy.22229American Academy of Dermatology.Skin cancer in people of color.Skin Cancer Foundation.Sun protection.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Culp MB, Lunsford NB.Melanoma among non-Hispanic Black Americans.Prev Chronic Dis.2019;16:180640. doi:10.5888/pcd16.180640Nelson B.How dermatology is failing melanoma patients with skin of color.Cancer Cytopathol. 2020;128(1):7-8. doi:10.1002/cncy.22229American Academy of Dermatology.Skin cancer in people of color.Skin Cancer Foundation.Sun protection.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Culp MB, Lunsford NB.Melanoma among non-Hispanic Black Americans.Prev Chronic Dis.2019;16:180640. doi:10.5888/pcd16.180640Nelson B.How dermatology is failing melanoma patients with skin of color.Cancer Cytopathol. 2020;128(1):7-8. doi:10.1002/cncy.22229American Academy of Dermatology.Skin cancer in people of color.Skin Cancer Foundation.Sun protection.
Culp MB, Lunsford NB.Melanoma among non-Hispanic Black Americans.Prev Chronic Dis.2019;16:180640. doi:10.5888/pcd16.180640
Nelson B.How dermatology is failing melanoma patients with skin of color.Cancer Cytopathol. 2020;128(1):7-8. doi:10.1002/cncy.22229
American Academy of Dermatology.Skin cancer in people of color.
Skin Cancer Foundation.Sun protection.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
