Being Melanated does not exclude your skin from cancer

Skin cancer is a serious and potentially deadly disease that affects people of all races and ethnicities. However, there are some factors that can increase the risk of skin cancer among people with more melanin in their skin. In this blog post, we will explore the top 10 reasons melanated people get skin cancer.

1. Lack of awareness: One of the main reasons melanated people are at higher risk of skin cancer is lack of awareness. People with darker skin tones may believe they are not at risk because they have more melanin, which provides some protection from UV radiation. However, while melanin does offer some protection, it is not enough to completely protect against skin cancer.

2. Delayed diagnosis: Because of the misconception that melanated people are not at risk of skin cancer, many cases go undiagnosed until they are at a more advanced stage. This can make it harder to treat and increase the risk of complications.

3. Sunburns: While it is true that melanated people are less likely to get sunburned than those with lighter skin tones, it can still happen. Sunburns can cause damage to the skin and increase the risk of developing skin cancer.

4. Genetics: Some genetic factors can increase the risk of skin cancer among melanated people. For example, people with certain gene mutations, such as those associated with albinism, are at higher risk of developing skin cancer.

5. UV radiation exposure: Although melanin does provide some protection against UV radiation, it is not enough to completely protect against skin cancer. Melanated people who spend a lot of time in the sun or use tanning beds are still at risk of developing skin cancer.

6. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as lupus or xeroderma pigmentosum, can increase the risk of skin cancer among melanated people.

7. Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental factors, such as pollution or chemicals, can increase the risk of skin cancer among melanated people.

8. Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV or who have had an organ transplant, are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. This is true for all races and ethnicities, but melanated people may be more likely to have a weakened immune system due to systemic inequalities in access to healthcare.

9. Medications: Some medications, such as immunosuppressants and chemotherapy drugs, can increase the risk of developing skin cancer. This is true for all races and ethnicities, but melanated people may be more likely to be prescribed these medications due to systemic inequalities in access to healthcare.

10. Scarring: Scars can be more susceptible to developing skin cancer, regardless of skin color. However, melanated people may be more likely to develop scars from certain medical conditions or procedures, such as keloids, which can increase the risk of skin cancer.

In conclusion, while melanated people may be at a lower overall risk of developing skin cancer compared to those with lighter skin tones, there are still many factors that can increase the risk. By being aware of these factors and taking steps to protect your skin from UV radiation, monitor any moles or skin changes, and discuss your risk factors with your doctor, you can reduce your risk of developing skin cancer and catch it early if it does occur. Remember, prevention and early detection are key to staying healthy and reducing your risk of developing skin cancer, regardless of your skin color.