A study carried out at Cincinnati University warn people with dark skin to protect their skin against the harmful rays of the sun. The study has shown that contrary to popular perception, that people with dark skin don’t have to protect their skin, is certainly not true. In fact people with dark skin are more likely to die from skin cancer, than those with fair skin.
It is true that dark skin has extra pigmentation which gives extra protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays, but the perception that dark skin does not require any protection has lead to a false sense of security, which has meant that skin cancer in patients with dark skin is not diagnosed in the early stages, resulting in higher mortality rates.
The study has also shown that although skin cancer is less common in dark skin than in the fair skin, when it does occur it is lot more aggressive, once again resulting in higher mortality rates.
Over 70,000 cases of cancer are diagnosed each year in the UK alone, which makes it the most common form of cancer.
The study has shown that it is just as important for dark skinned people to be aware of signs of skin cancer. Dark skin is most likely to develop cancer on the soles of their feet and hands.
Sun protection should be worn by everyone regardless of race or skin colour, warn experts.
