Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers that affects millions of people around the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO)'s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the disease affected more than 10.5 lakh people in 2022, with an estimated 3.3 lakh new cases of melanoma and almost 60 thousand deaths worldwide.
Doctors from different parts of the world urge people to undergo regular skin cancer screening and avoid overlooking any new changes or mole appearances on the skin. Moreover, it is crucial to assess and address your risk factors to take measures that help reduce the risk.
The OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Sandeep KS, Senior Consultant-Medical Oncology, HCG Cancer Center, Kalburagi, to understand the common risk factors of skin cancer and find out whether the colour of your skin has any influence.
Also Read: Explainer: Can Sunscreen Protect Against Skin Cancer?
Common Risk Factors For Skin Cancer
There are many factors that can put a person at risk of developing skin cancer. These include:
- Prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV radiation
- Exposure to ionising radiation
- Exposure to chemicals: arsenic, industrial tar, coal, and paraffin
- Immunosuppression: organ transplant
- Inherited disease: xeroderma pigmentosum
Are Skin Cancer More Prevalent In Fair-Skinned People?
According to the WHO, people with lighter skin have a much higher risk of getting non-melanoma or melanoma skin cancers than dark-skinned populations.
This is because darker skin has more pigment, which acts like a natural sunscreen, whereas lighter skin tones tend to sunburn more easily, and sunburns increase your risk of skin cancer, the health body explains.
Dr Sandeep shares, "Fair-skinned individuals will have a relatively low level of melanin, which provides less protection against UV radiation compared to dark-skinned people," adding that people with a fair skin tone have an incidence of four cases per one lakh population, while dark-skinned people have an incidence of 0.4 cases per lakh population.
However, the WHO highlights that even though darker skin tones are more resistant to sunburn, too much sun exposure is still bad for everyone.
Also Read: Can Itchy Skin Be A Sign Of Cancer? Here's What Doctor Has To Say
Protective Measures Fair-Skinned People Should Take
Here are some measures people can take to reduce their risk of developing skin cancer:
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF higher than 15.
- Use sunglasses that protect you from UV rays.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.
- Avoid outdoor activities during periods of peak sunlight.
- Keep observing any change in size, colour, and texture of the previous mole.
Bottomline
While people with a white or fair skin tone are at a greater risk of developing sunburn and, therefore, skin cancer, everyone else, regardless of their skin health and colour, should take proper precautions against skin damage from UV radiation. Other factors like a family history, prolonged UV exposure, weakened immunity, and ageing also play a major role in contributing to the risk of the disease. Consult with your dermatologist to understand your risk and the protective measures you must take.