How does skin cancer affect people with darker skin tones. What are the unique challenges in diagnosing and treating skin cancer in people of color. Why is early detection crucial for better outcomes in skin cancer cases among diverse populations.

The Prevalence and Impact of Skin Cancer in People of Color

Skin cancer is a condition that affects individuals of all skin tones, including those with darker complexions. Despite common misconceptions, people of African, Asian, Latino, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Native American descent are susceptible to various forms of skin cancer. Unfortunately, skin cancer in people of color is often diagnosed at later stages, making treatment more challenging and potentially less effective.

Here are some crucial statistics highlighting the impact of skin cancer on people of color:

• Skin cancer accounts for 1-2% of all cancers in Black individuals
• In Asian populations, skin cancer represents approximately 2-4% of all cancers
• Among Hispanic people, skin cancer makes up 4-5% of all cancer cases
• Squamous cell carcinoma is the most prevalent skin cancer type in Black individuals

Unique Characteristics of Skin Cancer in Darker Skin Tones

Skin cancer in people of color often presents differently compared to those with lighter skin tones. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for early detection and proper treatment.

Location of Melanomas

In individuals with darker skin, melanomas frequently develop in areas that receive minimal sun exposure. Up to 60-75% of tumors occur on:

• Palms of the hands
• Soles of the feet
• Under the nails (subungual)
• Nail areas

The plantar portion of the foot is often the most common site for skin cancer in non-white individuals, accounting for 30-40% of cases.

Types of Melanoma

People of color have higher rates of acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), which affects the palms, soles, and nailbeds. In contrast, superficial spreading melanoma is the most common subtype in Caucasians and Hispanics.

Disparities in Diagnosis and Survival Rates

Significant disparities exist in the diagnosis and outcomes of skin cancer among different racial and ethnic groups:

• Black patients with melanoma have an estimated five-year survival rate of 70%, compared to 94% for white patients
• Black patients are more than three times as likely to be diagnosed with melanoma at a late stage compared to non-Hispanic white patients
• 52% of non-Hispanic Black patients and 26% of Hispanic patients receive an initial diagnosis of advanced-stage melanoma, versus 16% of non-Hispanic white patients

The Importance of Sun Protection and Regular Skin Checks

Regardless of skin tone, protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation is crucial. UV rays can cause lasting damage to your skin, increasing the risk of skin cancer. To minimize this risk, consider the following preventive measures:

1. Understand your skin type and its specific needs
2. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an appropriate SPF
3. Wear protective clothing, including wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses
4. Seek shade during peak sun hours (typically 10 am to 4 pm)
5. Perform monthly self-examinations of your skin
6. Schedule annual full-body exams with a dermatologist

Is there a specific area of the body that requires extra attention during skin checks for people of color? Yes, particular focus should be given to areas that receive less sun exposure, such as the palms, soles of the feet, and under the nails, as these are common sites for melanoma in individuals with darker skin tones.

Recognizing the Signs: When to Seek Medical Attention

Early detection is crucial for successful treatment of skin cancer. Be vigilant and contact a dermatologist if you notice any of the following on your skin:

• New growths or moles
• Changes in existing moles or skin lesions
• Unusual spots or marks that don’t resemble other marks on your body

Remember, if you have skin, you can develop skin cancer. Don’t hesitate to seek professional medical advice if you have any concerns about your skin health.

The Bob Marley Case: A Cautionary Tale

The tragic case of Bob Marley serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and treatment of skin cancer in people of color. Marley was diagnosed with acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) at the age of 36, which ultimately led to his untimely death in 1981.

When a dark spot appeared under Marley’s toenail, he initially attributed it to a soccer injury. This misinterpretation led to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. By the time the melanoma was correctly identified, it had already spread to other parts of his body, significantly reducing his chances of survival.

What can we learn from Bob Marley’s experience with skin cancer? This case highlights the critical need for awareness about skin cancer risks in people of color, as well as the importance of promptly investigating any unusual skin changes, regardless of perceived cause or location on the body.

Expert Insights: Understanding the Challenges in Skin Cancer Diagnosis for People of Color

Dr. Andrew Alexis, chair of the Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s and Mount Sinai West in New York City, provides valuable insights into the challenges faced in diagnosing and treating skin cancer in people of color:

Factors Contributing to Later-Stage Diagnoses

1. Lower public awareness of skin cancer risks among individuals of color
2. Reduced index of suspicion for skin cancer among healthcare providers when examining patients of color
3. Less frequent full-body skin examinations for patients of color
4. Difficulty in detecting skin cancers in less sun-exposed areas, where they commonly occur in people of color

How can healthcare providers improve early detection of skin cancer in people of color? Increased education and awareness among both patients and healthcare professionals is crucial. This includes emphasizing the importance of regular skin checks, particularly in areas less exposed to the sun, and maintaining a high index of suspicion for skin cancer regardless of a patient’s skin tone.

Overcoming Barriers: Strategies for Improving Skin Cancer Outcomes in Diverse Populations

To address the disparities in skin cancer diagnosis and treatment among people of color, a multi-faceted approach is necessary:

Public Education and Awareness

Increasing awareness about skin cancer risks and prevention strategies among people of color is crucial. This can be achieved through targeted educational campaigns, community outreach programs, and leveraging social media platforms to disseminate accurate information.

Healthcare Provider Training

Enhancing dermatological training for healthcare providers to recognize skin cancer presentations in diverse skin tones is essential. This includes familiarizing providers with the unique characteristics and common locations of skin cancers in people of color.

Improved Access to Dermatological Care

Addressing barriers to accessing dermatological care, such as geographic limitations and socioeconomic factors, can help ensure that people of color receive timely skin cancer screenings and treatments.

Research and Development

Investing in research focused on skin cancer in diverse populations can lead to better understanding of risk factors, improved diagnostic tools, and more effective treatment strategies tailored to people of color.

How can technology aid in early detection of skin cancer in people of color? Advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms trained on diverse skin tones could potentially improve the accuracy of skin cancer detection in people of color, complementing clinical examinations.

The Role of Genetics and Environmental Factors in Skin Cancer Risk

While skin color plays a significant role in determining skin cancer risk, it’s important to recognize that other factors contribute to an individual’s susceptibility to the disease:

Genetic Factors

Certain genetic mutations can increase the risk of skin cancer, regardless of skin tone. For example, mutations in the CDKN2A gene are associated with an increased risk of melanoma in some families.

Environmental Exposure

While individuals with darker skin have more natural protection against UV radiation, they are not immune to its harmful effects. Cumulative sun exposure over time can still increase the risk of skin cancer.

Occupational Hazards

Certain occupations that involve prolonged sun exposure or contact with carcinogenic chemicals may increase the risk of skin cancer, regardless of skin tone.

How does the interplay between genetics and environment affect skin cancer risk in people of color? The relationship is complex, with genetic predisposition potentially interacting with environmental factors to influence an individual’s overall risk. This underscores the importance of personalized risk assessment and prevention strategies.

Emerging Treatments and Future Directions in Skin Cancer Care for Diverse Populations

As our understanding of skin cancer in people of color continues to evolve, new treatment approaches and research directions are emerging:

Targeted Therapies

Advances in molecular profiling are leading to the development of more targeted therapies that may be effective across different skin types and cancer subtypes.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapies, which harness the body’s immune system to fight cancer, show promise in treating advanced melanomas and may offer new options for patients of color.

Personalized Medicine

The growing field of personalized medicine aims to tailor treatment approaches based on an individual’s genetic makeup, potentially improving outcomes for patients of all backgrounds.

Health Equity Research

Increased focus on health equity research is driving efforts to understand and address the disparities in skin cancer outcomes among different racial and ethnic groups.

What role will precision medicine play in improving skin cancer treatment for people of color? Precision medicine approaches, which take into account individual variability in genes, environment, and lifestyle, hold promise for developing more effective and personalized treatment strategies for skin cancer patients of all backgrounds.

Skin Cancer in People of Color

What You Need to Know

It’s a fact: Skin cancer affects people of all colors. Even if you have a darker skin tone, always tan or rarely burn, you can still develop the disease. What’s more, for people of color, skin cancer is often diagnosed later, when it is harder to treat. This includes people of African, Asian, Latino, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Native American descent.

Simply put, if you have skin, you can get skin cancers. These include the nonmelanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) as well as melanoma. Furthermore, ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause dangerous, lasting damage to your skin.

What People of Color Can Do

The most important thing to do is get to know your skin type and protect your skin from the sun. Also, check yourself monthly and see a dermatologist once a year for a full body exam. No matter what, if you notice anything NEW, CHANGING or UNUSUAL on your skin, contact a dermatologist.

Skin of Color Stats

• Skin cancer represents 1 to 2 percent of all cancers in Black people.²
• Skin cancer represents approximately 2 to 4 percent of all cancers in Asian people.²
• Skin cancer represents 4 to 5 percent of all cancers in Hispanic people.³
• Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer in Black people.²
• Black patients with melanoma have an estimated five-year melanoma survival rate of 70 percent, versus 94 percent for white patients.¹
• Melanoma in people of color most often occurs on areas that get little sun exposure. Up to 60 to 75 percent of tumors arise on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet under the nail (subungual) and the nail areas. ²
• Black patients are more than three times as likely to be diagnosed with melanoma at a late stage than non-Hispanic white patients. 52 percent of non-Hispanic Black patients and 26 percent of Hispanic patients receive an initial diagnosis of advanced-stage melanoma, versus 16 percent of non-Hispanic white patients. ⁴
• In nonwhites, the plantar portion of the foot is often the most common site of skin cancer, being involved in 30 to 40 percent of cases.³
• People of color have higher percentages of acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM, melanoma of the palms, soles and nailbeds) than Caucasians. Superficial spreading melanoma is the most frequent subtype in Caucasians and Hispanics.³

Click for references

1. Cancer Facts and Figures 2023. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2023/2023-cancer-facts-and-figures.pdf  Accessed January 16, 2023.
2. Gloster HM, Neal K. Skin cancer in skin of color. J Am Acad Dermatol 2006; 55:741-60.
3. Bradford, Porcia T. Skin Cancer in Skin of Color. Dermatol Nurs 2009 Jul-Aug; 21(4): 170-178.
4. Hu S, Soza-Vento RM, Parker DF, et al. Comparison of stage at diagnosis of melanoma among Hispanic, black, and white patients in Miami-Dade County, Florida.  Arch Dermatol 2006; 142(6):704-8.

Bob Marley was diagnosed with acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) which ultimately claimed his life in 1981 at age 36. When a dark spot appeared under his toenail, Marley attributed it to a soccer injury. Eventually he was diagnosed with the disease but was not treated. His melanoma spread to other areas of his body and tragically cut his life short.

Ask the Expert

Q: While all types of skin cancer are less common in people of color, their outcomes are dramatically worse. What accounts for this gap?

A: Skin cancers are less prevalent in nonwhite racial ethnic groups, but when they occur, they tend to be diagnosed at a later stage. As a result, the prognosis is worse. One study showed that late-stage melanoma diagnoses are more common in Hispanic and Black patients than in non-Hispanic white patients.

First, there’s a lower public awareness of the risk of skin cancer among individuals of color. Second, from the perspective of health-care providers, there’s often a lower index of suspicion for skin cancer in patients of color. This is because the chances of it are smaller. So these patients may be less likely to get regular, full-body skin exams. And third, the places on the body where skin cancers tend to occur in people of color are often in less sun-exposed areas. This makes detection more difficult. For example, the most common location for melanoma in patients of color is the lower extremities — the soles of the feet in particular. [Read full blog post: Is There a Skin Cancer Crisis in People of Color?]

– Andrew Alexis, MD, MPH, is chair of the Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s and Mount Sinai West in New York City.

Images

Please note: Since not all skin cancers have the same appearance, these images serve as a general reference to what it may look like.

ACRAL LENTIGINOUS MELANOMA

Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) is the most common melanoma found in people of color.

Photo credit: Hugh Gloster, MD

BASAL CELL CARCINOMA

A basal cell carcinoma (BCC) may be pigmented, like this one, on skin of color.

Photo: Andrew Alexis, MD, MPH

Pigmented BCC

Photo: Hugh Gloster, MD

Pigmented BCC behind the ear

Photo: Hugh Gloster, MD

BCC on the nose of an Asian man

Photo: Hugh Gloster, MD

SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) on the scalp of a Black man.

Photo: Hugh Gloster, MD

Last updated: December 2022

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Melanoma Stages – The Skin Cancer Foundation

How is melanoma diagnosed?

To diagnose melanoma, a dermatologist biopsies the suspicious tissue and sends it to a lab, where a dermatopathologist determines whether cancer cells are present.

After the disease is diagnosed and the type of melanoma is identified, the next step is for your medical team to identify the stage of the disease. This may require additional tests including imaging such as PET scans, CT scans, MRIs and blood tests.

The stage of melanoma is determined by several factors, including how much the cancer has grown, whether the disease has spread (metastasized) and other considerations. Melanoma staging is complex, but crucial. Knowing the stage helps doctors decide how to best treat your disease and predict your chances of recovery.

• I’ve been diagnosed with melanoma. What happens next?
• What are the melanoma stages, and what do they mean?
• What happens after staging?

I’ve been diagnosed with melanoma.

What happens next?

Doctors use the TNM system — developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) — to begin the staging process. It’s a classification based on three key factors:

T stands for the extent of the original tumor, its thickness or how deep it has grown and whether it has ulcerated.

What Is Breslow depth?

Breslow depth is a measurement (in millimeters) from the surface of the skin to the deepest component of the melanoma.

Tumor thickness: Known as Breslow thickness or Breslow depth, this is a significant factor in predicting how far a melanoma has advanced. In general, a thinner Breslow depth indicates a smaller chance that the tumor has spread and a better outlook for treatment success. The thicker the melanoma measures, the greater its chance of spreading.

Tumor ulceration: Ulceration is a breakdown of the skin on top of the melanoma. Melanomas with ulceration are more serious because they have a greater risk of spreading, so they are staged higher than tumors without ulceration.

N indicates whether or not the cancer has already spread to nearby lymph nodes. The N category also includes “in-transit” tumors that have spread beyond the primary tumor toward the local lymph nodes but have not yet reached the lymph nodes.

M represents spread or metastasis to distant lymph nodes or skin sites and organs such as the lungs or brain.

After TNM categories are identified, the overall stage number is assigned. A lower stage number means less progression of the disease.

What are the melanoma stages, and what do they mean?

Early melanomas

Stage 0 and I are localized, meaning they have not spread.

• Stage 0: Melanoma is localized in the outermost layer of skin and has not advanced deeper. This noninvasive stage is also called melanoma in situ.

• Stage I: The cancer is smaller than 1 mm in Breslow depth, and may or may not be ulcerated. It is localized but invasive, meaning that it has penetrated beneath the top layer into the next layer of skin. Invasive tumors considered stage IA are classified as early and thin if they are not ulcerated and measure less than 0.8 mm.

Find out about treatment options for early melanomas.

Intermediate or high-risk melanomas

Localized but larger tumors may have other traits such as ulceration that put them at high risk of spreading.

• Stage II: Intermediate, high-risk melanomas are tumors deeper than 1 mm that may or may not be ulcerated. Although they are not yet known to have advanced beyond the primary tumor, the risk of spreading is high, and physicians may recommend a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) to verify whether melanoma cells have spread to the local lymph nodes. Thicker melanomas, greater than 4.0 mm, have a very high risk of spreading, and any ulceration can move the disease into a higher subcategory of stage II. Because of that risk, the doctor may recommend more aggressive treatment.

Learn more about sentinel lymph node biopsy and melanoma treatment options.

Advanced melanomas

Spread beyond the primary tumor to other parts of the body. There are also subdivisions within these stages.

• Stage III: These tumors have spread to either the local lymph nodes or more than 2 cm away from the primary tumor through a lymph vessel but not yet to the local lymph nodes. Thickness no longer plays a staging role. If local lymph nodes are palpable, meaning they feel enlarged when examined by a doctor, the tumor has reached them, and they are removed. Sometimes melanoma is present even in lymph nodes that are not palpable.
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a technique used to determine whether the disease has spread to one or more nearby lymph nodes. Melanomas that have spread to very small areas of nearby skin or underlying tissue but have not reached the lymph nodes are known as “satellite tumors” — and are also included in stage III. The staging system includes metastases so tiny they can be seen only by microscope (micrometastases). The degree of disease advancement depends on whether the tumor has reached the nodes, the number of nodes involved, the number of cancer cells found in them and whether they are microscopic or are palpable and can be seen with the naked eye.

• Stage IV: The cancer has advanced to distant body areas, lymph nodes or organs, most often the lungs, liver, brain, bone and gastrointestinal tract. The two main ways to determine the degree of advancement in stage IV melanoma are the site of the distant tumors and the presence of elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. LDH is an enzyme that turns sugar into energy; the more found in blood or body fluids, the more damage has been done.

These stages are each further broken down, from lowest to highest risk, depending on different characteristics of the original tumor and the areas where it has spread.

Cancer staging can be complex and confusing. If you have been diagnosed, ask your doctor to explain your stage in a way you can understand.

What happens after staging?

Once your melanoma stage is determined, your doctor will develop a treatment plan that’s best for you.

Learn more about melanoma treatment options.

Reviewed by:
Allan C. Halpern, MD
Ashfaq A. Marghoob, MD
Ofer Reiter, MD

Last updated: September 2020

This section made possible through an education grant from

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Dangerous moles: how to protect yourself from melanoma

15 May 2020 14:13

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Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that is not very common, but it is the one that most people die from. This is one of the most aggressive types of cancer in general. Natalya Klyagina, a dermatologist, PhD and chief physician of Dr. Klyagina’s Clinic, told about how to protect yourself from melanoma and how to detect it as early as possible if you failed to protect yourself.

For more than 10 years in Ukraine, as in many other European countries, a free Melanoma Diagnosis Day has been held in spring. Government and commercial medical institutions are willing to participate in it. Any person on this day, by appointment, can visit one of them for a dermatologist to examine skin neoplasms and provide recommendations, or, if necessary, refer them to an oncologist. Melanoma is successfully treated in most cases in its early stages, but has a very poor prognosis if it is found in advanced form.

This year’s Free Melanoma Diagnosis Day takes place on May 15th. Due to quarantine, the initial consultation with a dermatologist can be obtained online. If, according to its results, it will be necessary to come to the appointment, the doctor will tell you about it.

Aggressive disease

According to the Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, 3,000 Ukrainians are annually diagnosed with melanoma. Every tenth of them dies within a year. One of the main difficulties is that melanoma quickly metastasizes, so the chances of successful treatment can sometimes fall every week.

“Almost 90% of people who are diagnosed and treated with melanoma in the first stage, according to statistics, will live for at least another 5 years. But if treatment begins at stages 3 or 4, then the 5-year survival rate is 1-4%, ”says Natalya Klyagina.

Moles, but not only them

The name “melanoma” comes from melanocytes – skin cells that contain the pigment melanin. It is in these cells that, under certain circumstances, mutations can appear, they begin to divide uncontrollably, and this is how a neoplasm occurs.

On the skin of almost every person you can see dark spots – well-known moles, or nevi, as they are called by experts. This is the accumulation of melanocytes. It is in moles that the process of rebirth can begin. Therefore, dermatologists pay special attention to them.

But the problem is that melanoma can also occur on “clean” skin – in those places where there are no nevi. In addition, this type of cancer can occur under the nail plate, as well as on the oral mucosa, where it is difficult to notice in time.

Skin, eyes and hair

The likelihood of getting melanoma depends on a number of factors. Some of them can be influenced by a person, while others do not depend on our behavior. Among the latter are the features of the organism, for example, the so-called skin phototype. Without going into too much detail, people with fair skin, light eye color, and red or blond hair have a higher chance of getting the disease. But melanoma occurs even among dark-skinned people – none of the phototypes guarantees 100% safety. The number of moles on the human body is also a risk factor – the more there are, the higher it is under other identical conditions. Melanoma is thought to be more common among older people, but younger people and even children also get it.

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Harmful radiation

Among the factors that can be influenced by a person, in the first place, ultraviolet rays of light should be distinguished – thanks to them, our skin tans.

“Despite the common stereotype, sunburn and health are practically incompatible things,” explains Natalya Klyagina. The sun’s rays, of course, are important for health, but we get much more of them than we need. That is why melanoma is more common in open areas of the body – on the ears, neck and forearms.

But in other places, where the sun usually gets much less often, melanoma can also occur. It can provoke both an excessive passion for beach holidays and mechanical injuries of moles. It is especially dangerous when they are chronic, for example, shoes, clothes or a bag often rub against a nevus. Also, nevi injuries can occur due to shaving and epilation.

Red moles?

Nevi are not the only lesions found on the skin. For example, there are spots that are a bit similar to them, but red. These are the so-called angiomas. They usually attract more attention than moles and are more of a concern for aesthetic reasons. But the nature of angiomas is different, and melanoma almost never develops from them (this can only happen by a rare coincidence).

Other formations – papillomas, also have a completely different – viral origin, can disturb from an aesthetic point of view, and are also easily injured. Sometimes they are indeed a health problem that a doctor should deal with, but they have practically nothing to do with melanoma.

ABCDE scale

There are several signs that indicate the degeneration of a mole and these signs can be controlled using the ABCDE scale.

A (asymmetry – asymmetry), means that the mole becomes asymmetric.

B (border – edge, or limit) – the edge of the mole has become uneven, or fuzzy.

C (colour – color) – the nevus has changed color, some of its parts or all of it now has a different color.

D (diameter – diameter) – it was previously believed that nevi with a diameter of 6 millimeters or more were dangerous. Today it is known that not only they, but also smaller moles can also degenerate into melanoma. Although the formation of a larger size should be paid special attention.

E (enlargement – increase) – either the area of ​​the mole increases, or its height above the skin level.

Natalya Klyagina adds the so-called “ugly duckling symptom” to these signs. This is when a person has all the nevi more or less similar to each other, but some one is noticeably different – you also need to pay attention to it.

Check your moles regularly and if any of them change on the ABCDE scale, you should immediately consult a doctor.

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Once a year

Even if you do not notice suspicious moles on your body, it is worth visiting a dermatologist at least once a year for a preventive examination. Today, almost all specialists use the dermatoscopy method for this – they examine the nevus through a special magnifying device that allows you to notice the slightest changes. It is also desirable that the doctor take photofixation of moles and, at the next visit, be able to compare the changes, if any.

If this is her

If a dermatologist finds a mole with signs of degeneration, he refers the patient to an oncologist, where such a mole will be removed and sent for histological examination. Only by its results can an accurate diagnosis be made and find out how dangerous the neoplasm was. Also, the patient may be prescribed additional examinations to find out if metastases have formed and, if so, how far the process has gone.

In some cases, the doctor may recommend removing a nevus that does not show signs of degeneration, but is “unreliable”. For example, it is large, located in a place where it can often be injured, or the doctor already sees signs of such injury. It is better to remove such a mole prophylactically, especially if one of the patient’s relatives had skin cancer, or he has many moles and often sunbathed.

“Use sunscreen”

To reduce the risk of skin cancer and melanoma in particular, you need to protect yourself from the sun properly. If you have already decided to sunbathe, then it is safest to do so before 10 am or after 5 pm. Natalya Klyagina says that there are also softer versions of the recommendations, but it is better to stick to this strict one.

At other times, when we are under the active sun, we should wear clothes and hats that protect the skin from the sun as much as possible, and apply sunscreen to unprotected areas. This should be done 15-20 minutes before going outside, and then repeated every 2 or 3 hours. Also, you need to reapply the cream after swimming in the sea, river or pool, even if it says that it is waterproof.

Creams differ in terms of SPF (Sun Protection Factor) – the higher this value, the stronger the protection from the sun. Depending on the type of skin and the situation, you need to use a product with a different SPF.

“If it’s a vacation in sunny countries, then a person with fair skin should use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 50 in the first days,” explains Natalya Klyagina. “After a few days, when the skin adapts, you can switch to SPF 30.” In “urban mode” fair-skinned people can get by with a cream with a factor of 15-20, and for dark-skinned people, a lower one will do. Regarding irradiation in solariums, from the point of view of medicine it is definitely harmful. “I think that this issue should be closed altogether,” says Natalya Klyagina.

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Despite the progress of science

In the end, it should be said that science does not stand still, researchers are working on new methods of treating cancer and there is noticeable progress. In particular, for the treatment of melanoma, the latest drugs are used today to stimulate the human immune system to fight the disease. Last year, The New England Journal of Medicine published the results of a study using two new drugs, nivolumab and ipilimumab, to treat patients with advanced melanoma. It turned out that 52% of those who took both drugs lived at least 5 years. Until recently, one could only dream of such an indicator.

But even despite such successes, prevention and early diagnosis of melanoma have no alternatives and provide more guarantees to save health and life.

Author:
Dmitry Simonov

Skin growths

Most of us have skin growths of some kind. It can be moles, warts, etc. Some stay with us for life, while others require removal. And not only because some of them look unattractive as it may seem. But also because they can cause harm to health and even become a threat to human life. But do not be afraid, but you need to pay attention to your skin and visit a good dermatologist in order to ensure prevention and eliminate dangerous neoplasms in time. Let’s talk about the most common skin elements – moles and warts.

Warts are benign tumors caused by the human papillomavirus. This virus can be transmitted. The human papillomavirus can manifest itself in the form of warts on the skin, it can cause cancer of the genital organs in women and men. Sometimes a dangerous virus lives in the body for years, but if the immune system fails, it can lead to oncology. Therefore, warts must be removed. But you need to do this in the doctor’s office, and not at home on your own. You can’t remove warts on your own.

Modern cosmetology can eliminate papillomas with a laser. A special laser beam burns out the wart from the root, and normal healthy skin remains in its place. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so it is painless. The entire session takes 2-3 minutes. A small crust will appear on the laser-treated area, which will disappear within 14 days.

Moles are another element on the skin that is not as harmless as it seems. Some of them need to be removed as they can lead to melanoma, a skin cancer. A mole is made up of melanocytes, a brownish pigment produced by the skin. Uncontrolled division of these cells leads to oncology. They can begin to share intensely for various reasons. For example, if a mole is constantly injured. But not all moles are dangerous. There are those with whom you can live in peace all your life and not be afraid that they will lead to oncology. When should you be concerned? There are several signs in which you should definitely visit a doctor:

1. Draw a horizontal axis through the middle of the mole. The mole should split into two equal halves. If these halves are uneven, then this is the reason for visiting a dermatologist.

2. The mole should have smooth edges. If the edge is uneven, there are notches, then perhaps there is a rebirth.

3. If the color of the mole is uneven, there are inclusions of a different color, then this is the third sign.

4. If your mole is growing. The larger it is, the more carefully it must be monitored. People with large birthmarks are at risk. It is also necessary to be observed if you have small moles, but in large numbers.

5. If the mole has dynamics, that is, it increases in size, bleeds, crusts appear on it, then it is necessary to examine it.

Some people don’t need to worry about moles, others are at risk. How can you tell if you’re at risk for melanoma? Of course, the first thing to do is to consult a doctor. You also need to know the following:

– People who have 50 or more moles are at risk. Since there are many of them, it is likely that one of them may begin to be reborn. Therefore, every year it is necessary to be examined by a specialist. People with a family history of melanoma should see a dermatologist annually.

– The second group includes representatives of Scandinavian origin. These people have blond hair, blue, green or gray eyes. In addition, there may be many freckles. The owners of this appearance genetically had to live closer to the pole and when they move to countries with a warmer climate, their skin is not protected from the aggressive influence of the sun. It is sensitive to ultraviolet radiation and there is a risk of degeneration of moles.

– Those who have dysplastic nevi on the body are also at risk of oncology. Dysplastic nevi are moles that resemble fried eggs. In the center of such a mole there is a dark core, and around it there is a lighter pigment. People with dysplastic nevi are at risk 50 times more than people with normal moles.

– You should also see a dermatologist if you have a congenital large birthmark. Especially if there are no hairs on it.

For the examination of neoplasms, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist. You can also make an appointment with a dermato-oncologist – a doctor who specializes in the treatment of malignant tumors.