Melanin is the pigment that determines skin color. The more melanin an individual has, the darker the skin tone. While there are certainly some protective effects of a greater amount of melanin, it is often misconstrued as being impervious to the sun's harmful effects.
Contrary to popular belief, African American women are not only able to develop melanoma, or skin cancer, but have been shown to be greatly affected when diagnosed.
A study conducted at the Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana looked at malignant melanoma and its prognosis as a function of skin color and gender. The subjects consisted of 41 female patients and 39 males. Black women were found to have the most severe form of melanoma. Severity of disease is often correlated with delayed diagnosis. However, it was established this was not the case in this study.
In order to take preventative measures during the summer months, it is best for African American women to choose a sunscreen with broad spectrum protection and an SPF of 15 as recommended by Dr. Susan Taylor, director of Society Hill Dermatology in Philadelphia.
Do not let this warning go unheeded. Take precautions with black skin care products and reduce the risk of cancer during the warm weather months.
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