Written by Dr. Aisha Harris
Black people get skin cancer. If you have skin you can get skin cancer. In fact, Black people are three time more likely to die within five years of being diagnosed with skin cancer.
Too often, Black people are diagnosed with late-stage skin cancer making it more difficult to treat and, consequently, survive.
But things can change with more education and awareness. Because again, if you have skin you can get skin cancer.
The skin is the largest organ in the body and can develop many diverse diseases in the different layers.
Regarding skin cancer, there are multiple types of skin cancer that can be diagnosed and confirmed through biopsies.
Melanoma is probably the most “popular” skin cancer, but squamous cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer in Black people.
Before a biopsy, skin cancer workups start when someone, either the patient or someone else, notices an abnormal skin lesion. So if you every notice an abnormal skin patch, skin lesion or skin mole, then it would be helpful to have it checked out by a medical doctor.
The ABCDEs of melanoma are asymmetry, border, color, diameter and evolving help medical doctors evaluate concerning skin lesions.
Now you should not self diagnose potential skin cancer. Instead, you should focus on regular monthly skin exams and understanding your body and the norms of your skin so you are able to recognize new lesions and changes in your skin.
Skin cancer can occur in places that do not get a lot of sun exposure. Don’t forget to check your back.
Studies show that 40% of skin cancer cases occur on the bottom of the foot and others can occur in the palm of the hands and in nail beds. So do not think that skin cancer mostly happens on the face or arms that get a lot of sun exposure. The skin is a very large organ and all the spaces are at risk of developing skin cancer.
Risk factors for developing skin cancer include sun exposure, skin with moles (especially large or atypical moles), lighter skin, family history, older age, sunburn history, weakened immune system, smoking and skin injuries.
It is recommended that everyone protect their skin from excess exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light by wearing sunscreen, covering up skin through clothes and avoiding artificial UV exposure.
If you find an abnormal skin lesion or new skin lesion that you are concerned about make a doctor’s appointment with your primary care doctor or a dermatologist. There are many treatments for skin cancer including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, chemical peels and more.
Our summers are getting warmer. 2023 was the hottest year ever recorded. Our winters are getting warmer – as the Great Lakes did not freeze as much as usual. Climate change is happening in front of us and as we try to decrease the impact we have to also learn to protect ourselves from the increased heat.
Black people get skin cancer and, unfortunately, it is often diagnosed later than desired, making it more difficult to treat.
So wear more sunscreen to protect your skin. Do regular skin exams so you can catch any skin changes early. Remember to check the bottom of your feet. And if you are concerned about a skin lesion, get it checked out by a medical doctor.
Dr, Aisha Harris, MD is a Flint native and board certified family medicine doctor at Harris Family Health in Flint, Michigan. Harris Family Health is a membership-based clinic that provides personalized and full primary care to adults and children. Learn more about Harris Family Health by visiting www.harrisfamilyhealth.com.
Feel free to submit health questions to Dr. Harris via theflintcouriernews@gmail.com.
