Can You Get Skin Cancer if You Have Dark Skin?

For those with dark skin, the risk of skin cancer caused by the sun’s UV rays is reduced, but not eliminated completely. It is recommended that regardless of skin tone, sun protection measures are practised and regular skin checks are performed. Skin cancer is most commonly associated with the sun but may also be hereditary.

Your skin tone is dictated by the amount of melanin you have:

What is Melanin?

The way your skin looks depends on a pigment called melanin, this is produced by melanocytes. The more melanin you have, the darker your skin will be. Traditionally in hotter climates skin is naturally darker as melanin has the ability to absorb UV radiation, and less DNA damage occurs. Freckles are small spots where melanin has been erratically produced. Although high rates of melanin do offer additional protection, we still recommend being cautious in the sun.

How This Looks in Australia

In Australia we can have extreme weather, and in comparison with the rest of the world our UV levels are among the highest. Indigenous Australians rate of melanoma is lower than non-Indigenous Australians, but when it does occur it is often diagnosed much later. To put this in perspective, between 2005 and 2009 there were 9.3 cases of melanoma among 100,000 Indigenous Australians.

During the same period, there were 33 cases of melanoma among non-Indigenous Australians. While all those studied live in the same country with the same climates, those with darker skin were more protected from the sun’s UV rays.

Damage is not Always Obvious

When those with dark skin do experience skin abnormalities or skin cancer, it can be more difficult to detect. Just like when you have a tattoo, you will need to be more proactive and thorough when checking your skin for any changes. The sooner skin cancer is detected, the more likely treatment will be successful.

Does This Mean Tanning is Going to Protect My Skin?

The answer is no. Those with naturally darker skin will have more ability to absorb UV radiation, but altering your skin tone by tanning in the sun is not the same thing. When you have a tan from the sun, it is your bodies way of trying to fight the damage from UV rays. There is no such thing as a safe suntan, as any exposure can potentially cause skin cancer.

Other Damage Caused by the Sun

The sun’s harsh rays not only have the potential to cause cancer but can contribute to premature ageing. Those with fairer skin who have exposure to the sun are at greater risk of developing photoaging, but those with darker skin may still experience fine lines and uneven skin tone.

Regardless of your skin type, monitoring your skin and implementing sun protection measures is the best way to reduce the risk of skin cancer. At My Skin Centre we can assist you with skin and mole checks and advise you of the best way to care for your skin based on individual factors. We have 9 convenient locations throughout Western Australia. If you would like to book an appointment or find out more, please contact us today.