Skin Cancer in Minorities on the Rise
May 30, 2009 by Cherie Burbach
Filed under Women's Health
Skin cancer is on the rise in general, but it’s especially a problem for minorities. One CNN report says that “many people of color often mistakenly believe skin cancer is not something they should be worried about.” However, dermatologists across the country have seen an increase in the amount of skin cancer rates in minorities.
It’s not that darker skinned people don’t have some protection from the sun’s rays. Studies have estimated that “for the darkest skin tones, pigmentation cells provide a natural sun protection factor, or SPF, of about 13.” As we’ve learned, however, 13 sun protection just doesn’t cut it. We need at least a 40 or higher.
Minorities are encouraged to use sunscreen and also watch any unusual changes in your skin. See a dermatologist yearly to get a full-body exam.
Image: sxc.hu.
