The beauty product company L’Oréal and skin expert Dr. Wendy Roberts are in unison over the message that a person of darker skin color does not necessarily translate that he or she is exempted from developing skin cancer, an article written by Antoinette Alexander reveals. Consequently, Dr. Roberts and L’Oréal are bent on spreading awareness against such misconception.
According to Michele Verschoore, medical director at L’Oréal Research and Innovation, today’s “ethnic minorities” (primarily those with skin of color) are projected to dominate by more than half of the American population in the year 2050. Hence, people of color are indeed not immune to skin cancer.
The misconception problem is complicated by the fact that people of color are “more likely to wait until the disease has reached an advanced stage to visit the dermatologist” or not visit a skin specialist at all, says Ms. Verschoore, quoting various studies. L’Oréal has gathered new relevant data on skin cancer and sun protection in skin of color – to spread the word and correct knowledge – which will be sent to all U.S. dermatologists.
L’Oréal relates that darker skin means increased protection against ultraviolet radiation which translates to risk reduction of skin cancer from sun exposure. The caveat, however, is that there is “considerable skin color heterogeneity among people of color” and that a lot of people are not even aware of the risks.
Known as the Rockstar Dermatologist, Dr. Roberts believes that lack of skin cancer recognition among individuals of color “poses a serious health threat if left untreated”. Although skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, the Rancho Mirage, CA-based Skin Expert shares that skin cancer is highly curable if only detected and treated early. People of skin color should be aware about tell-tale signs, like skin lesions that do not heal, and be vigilant in protecting their skin from sun exposure.
Unfortunately, a snapshot of the recent surveys would tell an alarming story: 65% of minority respondents (people of color) believed they were not at risk for skin cancer and 62% of African-American adult respondents have never worn sunscreen.
Schedule a consultation now with Dr. Roberts to determine the overall status of your skin health. You can do that by calling us at our office at (760) 346-4262 or by submitting this Appointment Form.
