Local doctor discusses myths surrounding skin cancer risks in people of color

Local doctor discusses myths surrounding skin cancer risks in people of color – WSB-TV Channel 2

By FYH News Team

Published on June 6, 2022

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ATLANTA — Fun in the sun is great, but sun damage brings risks and you might be at more risk than you think.

According to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, the most common cancer in the United States is skin cancer.

Channel 2′s Linda Stouffer spoke with local surgeon Dr. Frederick Durden and he says that many people can get one thing wrong about the risks of skin cancer.

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“That idea that people of color can’t get skin cancer is something that I commonly hear. And in my own life, that’s something that I have heard from my own family members,” said Dr. Durden.

Durden explains that melanin in darker skin only offers “some” protection.

“They can get skin cancer, at a less rate but often is diagnosed at a later time and has a worse prognosis because it’s diagnosed later. But it’s just completely untrue and is a dangerous thing to go by. We need to work hard to fix that,” said Durden.

In order to protect your family, Durden suggests covering up, wearing hats, and wearing glasses.

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He also said to read the labels on sunscreen.

“One of the most important things is to make sure that it says ‘broad spectrum,’” said Durden.

He also says that certain ultraviolet light forms can be a possible factor in aging and cancer.

“That ultraviolet light has multiple forms A, B and C. C is mostly absorbed by the atmosphere, whereas B is the one most commonly tied to burns or cancer. But A can also be a contributing factor to cancer, as well as aging,” said Durden.

Dr. Durden advises people to look for any irregularities in their skin. If they are concerned about any part of their skin, they should get it checked out.

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