People of all skin tones should take UV protection seriously

Growing up, I was told that Black Americans don’t need to wear sunscreen because they can’t get skin cancer. But as we mark UV Safety Awareness Month in July, now is a good time to spread the word that African Americans and other people of color are at risk of skin cancer and should take precautions to protect their skin from the impacts of the sun’s rays.

Research shows that Black Americans are at less risk of skin cancer but they aren’t immune to cancer or other damage from the sun. And when they are diagnosed with skin cancer, it’s often later when the cancer is at an advanced stage. These dangerous and late diagnoses may not just be because of systemic health inequity but because some patients with darker skin may not know they can get skin cancer.

Protecting your skin also isn’t just about sunscreen. Some types of skin cancer, like acral lentiginous melanoma, are more common among Black people but aren’t caused by sunlight. This is another reason for people of all skin tones to get their skin checked regularly by a doctor.

Dr. Drew Oliveira, senior executive medical director for Regence BlueShield, told FOX 13 Seattle this month that skin cancer is the most common type of the cancer in the U.S. and that everyone should wear sunscreen of at least 30 SPF.

Other tips to protect your skin:

·??????Seek shade: Try to plan?outside?activities earlier in the day or later in the evening when the?sun’s ultraviolet?rays aren’t as strong.??

·??????Hat: To keep the sun off your face, wear a hat with a wide brim that can shade your face, ears and the back of your neck, which are more prone to burning.

·??????Sunglasses: To protect your eyes, sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays are preferable.

·??????Clothing: Cover up when?you’re?outside?with?clothing that?made?with?a tightly woven fabric or UV protection material.??