Shilpa Agarwal Shilpa Agarwal Asked 5 months ago

Do black people get less skin cancer?

I was reading an article about skin health and it mentioned something about different skin types and sun exposure. It made me wonder, do black people generally have a lower risk of getting skin cancer compared to other groups?

6

6 answers

Alok Dwivedi Alok Dwivedi Joined Mar 2026 5 months ago
Most liked

Yes, having more melanin does provide natural protection against UV rays, so the rate of skin cancer is lower. However, just like we must regularly monitor our BP regardless of how active we feel, people with darker skin should still get skin changes checked by a doctor.

Nisha Nair Nisha Nair Joined Jan 2026 5 months ago

They do get it less often, but when it does occur, it is often in areas like the palms or soles of the feet. I once ignored a skin growth that turned out to be a severe infection, so I always recommend seeing a doctor immediately if you notice any strange spots.

Kavya Menon Kavya Menon Joined Mar 2026 5 months ago

Yes, statistically they do get less skin cancer because melanin acts as a natural shield. But when they do get it, it is often diagnosed at a later stage, which can be dangerous. It's always best to be cautious and not take skin health for granted.

Powered by

Consult a dermatologist

Tarun Sen Tarun Sen Joined May 2026 5 months ago

Yes, scientific data shows that melanin provides an SPF equivalent of about 13, which significantly lowers the risk of UV-induced skin cancers. However, my dermatologist friend mentioned that non-UV related skin cancers, like acral lentiginous melanoma, can still occur and are often caught late.

Ananya Sen Ananya Sen Joined Apr 2026 5 months ago

Honestly, melanin is like a superpower against sunburns, so yes, they get it way less than fair-skinned folks. I wish my skin had that level of natural sun protection because my sunscreen bills are driving me crazy!

Related reads

All articles
Siddharth Roy Siddharth Roy Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

The doctors at Tata Memorial Hospital emphasize that while the incidence of skin cancer is much lower in darker skin types, it is not zero. If you have any unusual dark spots under your nails or on your feet, ask your doctor clearly during your next checkup.

Evidence-based health, reviewed by clinicians. Free, weekly.