This content was created by Jane Yoo. This content was uploaded by Jane Yoo. This is a YouTube video titled "Skin Cancer in People of Color" (created 2022-01-22) featuring two presenters who introduce themselves as Sharon and Taryn. It's an educational public-health dialogue in English that explains that people of color can and do get skin cancer, highlights higher rates of advanced-stage diagnosis and mortality, dispels the myth that absence of sunburn prevents cancer, and describes common cancer types in different groups (notes squamous cell carcinoma as common in Black people and basal cell carcinoma in Asian people). The video calls out acral melanoma (referred to in the transcript as "acromelanoma") which appears on palms, soles, and under nails and cites Bob Marley as an example, notes lack of representation of skin-of-color in dermatology resources, and gives prevention and early-detection advice (annual dermatologist full-body exams, monthly self-skin checks—especially palms/soles/nail beds—and wearing SPF 30+ year-round).
Chapters
Hi, my name is Sharon, and my name is Taryn.
Today we'll be talking about skin cancer in people of color.
Did you know that people of all skin colors, including darker skin tones, can get skin cancer?
In fact, people of color are 2 to 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage skin cancer than white patients, and that's just due to infrequent checkups and less awareness about skin cancer risks for people of color.
People of color are also more likely to die from skin cancer. The average 5-year melanoma survival rate is 67% in Black people versus 92% in white people.
A common myth that some people believe is that if they never sunburn, they can't get skin cancer. This is false.
Although it is true that darker skin contains more of a pigment called melanin to protect against the sun's UV rays, people of color can definitely still get skin damage and skin cancer. Any change in skin color, even a tan, is a sign of skin damage that can eventually result in cancer. There is no such thing as a safe tan.
The most common skin cancer for Black people is squamous cell carcinoma. They can be anywhere on the body and look like rough, scaly patches that may crust or bleed, like open sores that don't heal.
The most common skin cancer for Asian people is basal cell carcinoma. They can look like translucent or pigmented bumps, scaly patches with raised edges, or white, waxy, scar-like areas.
Lastly, people of color are especially at risk for acromelanoma, a type of skin cancer that is not caused by sun damage. Acromelanoma accounts for 29 to 72% of melanoma in dark-skinned individuals. They form in the palms of the hands, bottoms of the feet, under the fingernails or toenails. Famous singer Bob Marley, he actually died from acromelanoma at the age of 36 years old.
Skin cancers can feel completely painless. They can also look different depending on the person. Especially for people of color, lesions on their skin can present differently compared to lesions on lighter skin tones. That's why it's important to visit a dermatologist if you notice any changes in your skin.
There's actually a lack of representation of skin of color in dermatology journals and textbooks. This is an issue that dermatologists are recognizing and dealing with now.
The good news is that if skin cancers are detected early, they can be treated and cured. In addition to annual dermatologist full-body skin exams, Everyone should do monthly self-skin exams at home to check their skin. We have a video about that on our channel.
People of color should especially check their palms, soles of feet, and finger and toenail beds. 75% of skin cancers diagnosed in people of color are found in those areas.
As a last preventive measure, remember to wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 year-round. Thank you.
