Demystifying Skin Cancer: The Truth About People of Color and Sun Protection

In the skincare myths, one persistent fallacy echoes loudly: "Black people don’t need sunscreen!" or "People of colour aren’t at risk for skin cancer." Let's debunk these misconceptions and shed light on the crucial relationship between skin cancer and diverse skin tones.

Understanding Skin Tone

To comprehend the complexity of skin cancer across various skin tones, we first need a primer on skin tone itself. Melanin, produced by melanocytes, determines skin colour. The ratio of eumelanin (brown and black pigment) to pheomelanin (red and yellow pigment) influences skin colour, varying from person to person. Darker skin tones produce more eumelanin, offering some protection against UV damage, while lighter skin tones have more pheomelanin, providing less UV protection.

Common Myths Debunked

Myth: Darker skin tones provide natural sun protection.

Fact: While eumelanin absorbs some UV rays, it's not foolproof. Even the darkest skin provides only the equivalent of SPF 13, insufficient for effective sun protection.

Myth: People of colour don’t need to worry about getting sunburned.

Fact: Skin of colour may not visibly redden, but it can still burn, darken, crack, or blister. Sunburn can trigger hyperpigmentation.

Myth: Skin cancer in dark skin isn’t caused by the sun.

Fact: Melanoma in dark skin can appear in less exposed areas, such as the palms and soles, but UV exposure still plays a role. Squamous cell carcinoma, common in Black patients, is linked to UV exposure. Regular skin checks are essential for everyone.

Myth: Sun protection isn’t necessary for skin of colour.

Fact: Sun damage may manifest differently in skin of colour, leading to dark spots and uneven skin tone. Using tinted sunscreens with iron oxide and protective clothing can mitigate these risks.

The Bottom Line

While people of colour may have a lower susceptibility to skin cancer, the risk is not eliminated. All skin tones are vulnerable to sun damage. The key, regardless of skin colour, is to apply sunscreen generously, practice sun-smart behaviours, and embrace protective clothing. Sun safety is a universal necessity for healthy and radiant skin, regardless of its beautiful spectrum.