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Tuesday, March 2. 2010
Skin Cancer in Hispanic and African American Skin
Most patients with Hispanic or African American heritage are not aware of their risk for developing skin cancers.
Malignant Melanoma, for example, is more common in white skin but can be more aggressive in back skin. A recent article in the Journal of Surgical Oncology (Vol. 78, No. 1: 10 – 16) showed that when African Americans develop the disease, it’s deadlier. African Americans have a 45% survival rate at five years compared to 69% in whites.
There may be several reasons for this: genetics may play a role and health care providers think of skin cancer less often in darker skin. These cancers may also occur in unusual places such as bottom of the feet, under the nails, or the genital area.
Think A,B,C,D,E
A mole that is Asymmetrical.
Irregular Border
Multi Colored
Diameter greater than 6 mm
An Evolving mole that stands out.
Make sure your provider checks you head to toe on a yearly basis.
Dr. A. David Rahimi
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