Are You at Risk for Skin Cancer?
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Photo Credit: Chloe Webber/Chloe Webber
Q: Am I at risk for skin cancer if I have medium-dark skin, tan easily, and have never burned?
A: Absolutely. The melanin in darker skin protects it mostly from the burning UVB rays but offers less protection from the UVA ones that penetrate deeper, causing not only photo-aging (wrinkles, sagging, and brown spots), but melanoma - the deadliest form of skin cancer. Its actually the second-most common cancer in women ages 20 to 29. And Bob Marley died from it, which surprises people. Since cancer is often not suspected and therefore not diagnosed in darker-skinned people until its far along, theres a higher fatality rate than for those with fair skin, who tend to get tested more regularly. Annual skin-cancer screenings and religious sunscreen use are critical for everyone.