Skip to main content

Melanoma Myths: How Skin Cancer Affects African Americans

It's a myth that African Americans and other people of color can't get skin cancer. The truth is that skin cancers, including melanoma, affect Black and Hispanic people at a disproportionately deadly rate when compared to white people. So if you see something suspicious like a new, unusual growth or a change in an existing mole anywhere on your body, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or dermatologist right away.


Here are some key facts:

  • An average five-year melanoma survival rate is only 67 percent in Black people versus 92 percent in white people.
  • Late-stage melanoma diagnoses are more common in Hispanic and Black patients than in non-Hispanic white patients.
  • When skin cancer is found in Black and Hispanic people, they tend to be diagnosed at a later stage and, as a result, have a worse prognosis.

MedStar Health shares the following information to debunk common misconceptions around skin cancer and melanoma: 
 
MYTH: SKIN CANCER ONLY AFFECTS FAIR SKIN
This is the most dangerous myth out there. Skin cancer affects people of all races and skin tones, so it is important for everyone to get their skin and moles checked regularly. 
 
MYTH: KEEP AN EYE ON MOLES AND GET THEM CHECKED AT YOUR ANNUAL PHYSICAL
Melanoma can become life threatening in as little as six weeks. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body. Sadly, many people wait too long to receive treatment - and the outcome can be deadly. 
 
MYTH: CHECK MOLES ON SKIN EXPOSED TO SUN
Skin cancer can be found on the soles of the feet, the toenail and fingernail beds. As mentioned above, if left undetected these can be life threatening. 


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Conway Discount Clothing Chain Closing in New York City

It's the end of an era. Conway discount stores are closing . As of this weekend, a sign on the sole Herald Square location (34th Street btwn 7th and 8th Ave) says the store will close in "7 Days." Before I relocated to New York City, I was introduced to the discount chain while on a bus trip from Baltimore.  I recall the first time I saw Conway's signature pink bags carried by hurried shoppers in midtown. And Miss Foster, the trip organizer and a bargain hunter from way back, took me to the store for the first time. Conway store in the Fulton Mall./Tracy E. Hopkins When I moved here in 1994, my love affair with Conway continued.  I furnished my first apartment with discount knick-knacks and home goods from the store.  And much to my chagrin, in hindsight, I curated most of my wardrobe for my first full-time job from the long-shuttered 42nd Street and Third Avenue store. One regretful ensemble: Lime green and white checkered pants with a matching lime green

Soak Up the Last Weeks of Summer Sun At The Rockaway Hotel

Summer is winding down, but there's still time to soak up the sun -- while wearing sunscreen, chic shades and a protective hat or sun visor, of course. If you're in New York City, The Pool at The Rockaway Hotel + Spa  is a cool place to swim, lounge and discreetly people watch while swaying to beat of ambient music.  It's a vibe! Day passes are available for non-hotel guests Monday through Thursday (excluding private events, 10 am -7 pm).  Located in the heart of the Rockaway Beach community in Queens, New York, the Rockaway Hotel is just a few short blocks from the sand and surf. Besides the outdoor pool,  the  newly built 84,000 square foot hotel offers around 60 guest rooms, a restaurant, a rooftop bar, and a large event space. And it's a nice addition to the area.  When my husband and I visited the popular pool, we enjoyed yummy sips and bites poolside. Lounging chairs are first come, first serve so the early bird gets the spot of their choice. After chilling at t

4 Travel Essentials for a Clean and Safe Trip

Travel takes a lot more planning and preparation these days.  If you're like me, in addition to packing versatile and comfy clothing, accessories and footwear, and essential toiletries and beauty products, your travel checklist also includes several PPE options. KN95 masks, hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes and gloves. Check! To help you keep your PPE game on point, here are four new travel-sized sanitizing products that Everything She Wants recently discovered. Sanitizing Hand Wipe Mitts ($12.99 for a pack of ten) : Winter may be over, but here is a pair of mittens you might want to wear all year round. R eportedly the first wearable wipe that provides a protective liner between you and all surfaces you touch, this multi-use sanitizing mitt kills germs and 99.9% of bacteria on your hands. T his new mitt also reduces the number of wipes needed and makes it easy to keep hands safe and clean on the go – just think: no contact with hotel doorknobs, shopping carts, elevators, airport