Can dark-skinned people get skin cancer?
Yes! Although fair-skinned people are at greater risk, darker skin can develop cancer, particularly melanoma - the rates of skin cancer in African Americans, in fact, are on the rise.
Evidence also suggests that melanoma is deadlier in dark-skinned individuals, likely due to delayed diagnosis in patients who wrongly assume skin cancer can't affect them. Everyone should pay attention to their skin and get annual skin checks from a dermatologist.
According to the American Cancer Society, about half of all melanomas in African Americans occur on the palms and feet and around the fingernails, so don't ignore those areas. Finally, even if your skin doesn't burn, you are still being exposed to dangerous UV rays - everyone should wear broad-spectrum sunscreen (sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays) every day. No exceptions.
If a mole starts itching, could it be skin cancer?
Skin cancer most frequently manifests as a mole or bump that grows rapidly, a patch of skin that doesn't heal for several weeks to months, or an area of skin that frequently bleeds. Itching is not a very common sign of skin cancer, but if it accompanies any other signs it is more worrisome. Have any mole that you are concerned about checked ASAP. Think of it this way: It's an easy thing to do, and it could save your life.
I've always had lots of moles - should I be worried?
Most people have moles, and the vast majority of moles are normal. Normal moles can appear at birth or over the course of a person's life. Normal moles are typically tan, brown, or black and smaller than the diameter of a pencil eraser; they can be raised or flat.
Again, a mole itself is not necessarily a cause for concern - the key, however, is paying close attention to your skin so that you will notice any changes in the size, shape, or color of your skin's marks. A changing mole is of great concern and should be evaluated by your dermatologist immediately.
What does it mean if a dermatologist describes a mole as "precancerous?"
A precancerous mole contains cells that could turn into cancer in the future. Usually, such cells would turn into melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma - two dangerous types of cancer.
If you remove those cells at the precancerous stage, you'll never have to worry about them again. However, once you have a precancerous lesion it is even more important to be checked annually for new ones.
I have a family history of skin cancer. Should my children have regular skin checks?
Changing moles in children - as in adults - should always be checked, so pay attention to your children's skin. Large brown or black moles, in particular, have a higher risk or turning into melanoma in children than in adults.
Certain types of moles or birthmarks are often surgically removed before puberty to lower future melanoma risk, so talk to your doctor if your child has such a birthmark.
Melanoma in children is rare, but not unheard of; if you have a family history of melanoma, I recommend annual skin checks for your children. If your history includes only basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), I recommend that your children begin getting annual skin checks in their early thirties.
And remember, the best thing any parent can do - whether you have a family history of skin cancer or not - is teach children about the importance of proper sun protection.
Melanoma is directly associated with the number of sunburns a person gets in his or her lifetime. All children, regardless of skin type, should wear broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, every day. The decisions you make for your children now will have a direct impact on their future skin cancer risk.
Is there any way to differentiate between sun spots and potentially cancerous marks?
No, you need to see a dermatologist about any mole or mark that you're concerned about. Dermatologists go to medical school for four years, then spend one year studying internal medicine or pediatrics.
Next, they spend at least three years studying dermatology, for a total of at least eight years of training to recognize, among other things, skin cancer.
For this reason, it's important that a dermatologist - not another type of physician - check your moles. Studies have shown that family practice, internal medicine, and other general doctors are not as skilled at detecting skin cancers.
Those doctors are highly trained in many other areas, of course, and are essential to staying healthy! When it comes to skin, though, talk to a dermatologist. To find a board-certified dermatologist in your area, go to http://www.aad.org/.
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Dr. Baumann is author of the best-selling book, " The Skin Type Solution." To learn more about her revolutionary skin typing system, visit her Web site, SkinTypeSolutions.com.
All of Dr. Baumann's recommended skin care products are available online, and a portion of proceeds goes to The Dermatology Foundation.
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