Mayo Clinic Minute: Melanoma misconception — dark skin tones at risk, too

Darker skin tones have more melanin. The pigment protects against sun damage and lowers the risk of skin cancer. Some people with dark complexions think melanin shields them from getting skin cancer. But Dr. Dawn Davis says that’s a myth.

When melanoma develops in people of color, it’s often diagnosed at a later stage and is more aggressive. But that could be because skin cancer in people with darker skin may appear in unexposed areas.

Dr. Davis says people of color, including children, should wear sunscreen and perform regular skin self-exams.

Some people of color are not diligent about protecting themselves against dangerous UV rays and think they can’t develop skin cancer. Dr. Dawn Davis, a Mayo Clinic dermatologist, says that’s a myth and explains why diagnosing melanoma in dark skin can be challenging.
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