A study shows that patients with skin color less likely to survive melanoma -
Because Caucasians are at risk for skin cancer higher than the general population , people with colored skin may believe they do not need to be concerned about this disease -. but new research shows that this is a dangerous misconception
According to a study published online in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, July 28, although the incidence of melanoma is higher the Caucasians, patients with skin of color are less likely to survive the disease.
"Everyone is at risk for skin cancer, regardless of race," says board certified dermatologist Jeremy S. Bordeaux, MD, MPH, FAAD, one of the authors of the study. "Patients with skin color may believe they are not at risk, but this is not the case -. And when they get skin cancer, it can be particularly lethal"
researchers at Case Western Reserve University Cleveland used the database monitoring, Epidemiology and End Results of the National cancer Institute to study nearly 97,000 patients diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest form of cancer skin, from 1992 to 09. While white patients had the incidence of the highest melanoma, they also had the best overall survival, followed by Hispanic patients and patients in the / group / Pacific Islander native American Asian American.
African American patients had worse overall survival, and they were also the most likely to be diagnosed with melanoma in an advanced stage, when the disease is more difficult to treat. According to the study, however, the time of diagnosis is not the only factor that influences this group survival, as African-American patients had the worst prognosis for each stage of melanoma.
Dr. Bordeaux says these differences in survival rates may be due to disparities in the rapid detection of melanoma and treatment of different races; for example, patients with skin color can not get medical care for irregular spots on their skin because they do not believe that these lesions present a risk. In addition, he said, there can be biological differences in melanoma patients with a skin color, resulting in a more aggressive disease in these patients. More research is needed to determine why survival rates differ between different ethnic groups, he said, but in the meantime, patients with skin color should be aware of their risk of skin cancer.
"Because skin cancer can affect anyone, everyone should be proactive about preventing skin cancer and detection," says Dr. Bordeaux. "Do not let this potentially fatal disease sneak up on you because you do not think it can happen to you."
exposure to ultraviolet radiation is skin cancer the most risk factor preventable, Dr. Bordeaux said, so everyone, regardless of skin color, should take steps to protect against the harmful UV rays of the sun. the American Academy of Dermatology recommends seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using a broad spectrum sunscreen, water resistant with an SPF of 30 or more.
Although sunscreen is important for everyone, Dr. Bordeaux said, people with skin of color are prone to skin cancer in areas that are not commonly exposed to the sun, including the palms and soles of the feet. He said that these people should be especially careful to consider difficult to see areas where monitoring their skin for skin cancer signs, ask a partner to help if necessary.
"Skin cancer is most treatable when detected early, so everyone should regularly examine their skin for new or suspicious spots," says Dr. Bordeaux. "If you notice spots that are different from others, or anything changing, itching or bleeding on your skin, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist."
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