Yes, people of colour can get skin cancer
There is a misconception that just because Māori and Pacific peoples have darker skin tones, they are immune to skin cancer, reports Torika Tokalau.
Anyone can get skin cancer. Yes, even people of colour. Although extremely rare, Pasifika and Māori can get skin cancer too.
Let’s be absolutely clear, Māori and Pacific peoples are at far greater risk of cancers like lung, breast and stomach. But there can be a misunderstanding when it comes to skin cancer in ethnic communities, which, if given proper awareness, could help save lives and aid in prevention.
It is true that those with lighter skin tone are the primary victims of skin cancer.
Skin cancer is the third most common type of cancer in New Zealand.
It is mainly divided into two main categories: non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), which includes basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
NMSC is the most common, and is rarely fatal. The latter is the most serious, known to kill more than 350 Kiwis every year.
New Zealand has the highest rates of melanoma, and highest death rates of melanoma than any other country.
Between 2007 and 2017, just 2% of melanoma deaths were Māori or Pasifika (62 Māori and 21 Pasifika out of 3757 deaths).
And of the more than 25,718 new cases detected during that period, 368 were Māori and 72 were Pasifika – just 1.4% and 0.3% respectively.
There are several causes of skin cancer, but the most common is exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Early detection is key. If left too late, the cancer has the ability to spread throughout the body.
Skin cancer is often visible – it could be anything from a crusty sore that is not healing; small lumps that are red, pale or pearly in colour; new or existing spots or moles changing in colour, thickness or shape; or a dry scaly area that is shiny and pale, or bright pink in colour.
Skin cancers can also be brown or black, especially in people of colour. Having any of these does not mean you have skin cancer, but these are the most telling signs.
Detection of skin cancers almost always occurs early, leading to good survival rates, but when detection is too late it is often in its more aggressive stage with a poorer prognosis.
There is a belief that darker skin is protected from the sun’s harmful rays, as sunburn is uncommon, but darker skin does not guarantee you won’t get skin cancer. Studies have shown that because of its low incidence in Māori and Pacific peoples, there is very little awareness on its risks among health professionals and their patients.
Reporting disclosure statement: This report was written with expert advice from dermatologist Amanda Oakley, and Melanoma NZ. It was reviewed by The Whole Truth: Te Māramatanga expert panel member Dr Jason Gurney.