Jacqueline Smith was shocked when she received a stage III melanoma diagnosis at the young age of 21.
As ablack woman, she didnt think it could happen to her.
Skin cancer in [people] of color absolutely happens.
Jacqueline Smith, a melanoma survivor, after doctors declared her status N.E.D., or “no evidence of disease.” Photo by John Guerriero
The research pulled data from 96,953 patients given a melanoma diagnosis between 1992 and 2009.
To fully explore them, you first have to know a bit about whatskin cancerreally is.
The most common forms of this disease are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Then there are melanocytes, which create melanin.
The more melanin you have, the darker your skin.
The most prevalent types of skin cancer correspond with these different cells.
Like basal cell carcinoma, it also grows slowly.
Melanoma, which starts in those pigment-providing melanocytes, can be much more lethal.
Melanomausually shows upas a new mole on your skin that may change in size, shape, or color.
The most common form is superficial spreading melanoma, according to theU.S.
National Library of Medicine.
(This is what Smith had.)
Another reason: the damaging myths about black people being exempt from skin cancer.
I hear all too often that melanin is our natural sunscreen, she says.
Overall,sunscreenuse was lowest in people whose skin didnt tend to burn.
But dutifully slathering on sunscreen and taking other protective measures isnt enough to completely ward off skin cancer.
And without insurance, skin cancer screenings are likely to be an afterthought.
And unfortunately, this can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Theres definitely a correlation between delayed diagnosis and poor prognosis, Dr. Jackson says.
If your cancer has spread, though, it may also require radiation or chemotherapy.
She plans to make her life’s work helping other cancer patients through research and advocacy.
I would like people to realize melanoma is largely preventable, Smith says.
