Misconceptions About UV Protection in the POC Community

Edited by Azka Siddiqui

During the summertime, many people race to hit the beach and enjoy the sun. Yet, are they, especially people of color (POC), taking the necessary precautions to protect themselves from the rays of light? According to studies, POC "do not regularly wear sunscreen or take other steps to protect themselves from the sun" (Ford, 2021, para. 2). Hopefully, by addressing and debunking misconceptions concerning UV protection in the POC community, we can prevent more UV-related conditions among the minority populations.

A misconception is that the sun is not damaging to dark skin. However, sun damage can occur no matter your skin color. Regardless of your complexion, the amount of cells that give off your skin's pigment is the same. What sets skin tone apart are melanocytes, which are melanin-producing cells. Melanocytes produce more melanin in bigger clumps in pigmented skin; thus, “the melanin absorbs the sun's rays before they can damage the cell's DNA” (Ford, 2021, para. 5). With lighter skin tones, the melanocytes produce less melanin in smaller clumps, allowing sunlight to get through and damage the skin cells' DNA more easily. Therefore, it is harder for darker skin to display signs of the skin cell's DNA damage. Nonetheless, "though your melanin provides some natural protection, it's impossible for the skin to be 100% effective at preventing sunlight from getting through," dermatologist Dr. Guffey states (Ford, 2021, para. 8). Knowing this, both non-POC and POC need to protect themselves (Ex. sunscreen, hats, UV-protective clothing, etc.) from sun damage and be cautious when exposing themselves to the sun.

Additionally, many assume that minorities experience skin cancer less often. While non-POC are more likely to experience skin cancer, POC more commonly die from skin cancer. But why? It's simple — POC typically get a diagnosis during the later stages of skin cancer. In an interview with UVAHealth, Dr. Guffey illustrated how the skin's pigment is proportional to skin cancer rates. "Just 1-2% of all skin cancers occur in Blacks, 2-4% occur in Asians and 4-5% in Hispanics. However, many darker-skinned patients think they won't get skin cancer. So by the time they see a provider for a suspicious spot, the cancer is more advanced and challenging to treat," Dr. Guffey explained (Ford, 2021, para. 13). What should minorities do then? POC need to understand that they can develop skin cancer. Acknowledging this vital fact will push more POC to "communicate with their primary care physician (PCP) if the skin lesions arise and do not heal within several months," states dermatologist Dr. Saavedra (Ford, 2021, 14).

While it's pleasant to have fun in the sun, sun damage is a concern POC need to address more. By educating themselves on UV protection and debunking UV and sun damage myths, minorities can keep themselves and their families safe while enjoying the summer.

References:

Ford, Holly. (10 June 2021) Myths vs. Facts: Do People of Color Need Sunscreen & Sun Protection? UVAHealth. blog.uvahealth.com/2021/06/10/people-of-color-sun-protection/

[Untitled image of a person wearing a sun hat]. University of Michigan. https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/wellness-prevention/clearing-up-myths-about-skin-cancer-people-of-color