ABSTRACT
When one thinks of skin cancer, the patient prototype is that of a fair-haired, fair-eyed individual of European decent. Skin cancer does occur in people of color, although the relative risk remains low. Because of increased pigmentation and melanosomal dispersion of the skin, people of color have added protection against the ultraviolet rays of the sun. The average natural sun protective factor (SPF) of black skin is approximately 13.1,1 making sun-induced skin cancers less prevalent. Increased skin cancer rates can be attributed to childhood sun exposure, increased outdoor recreational activities (even during the winter, e.g., skiing), and destruction of the ozone layer. There is now a trend toward increased skin cancer rates in most ethnic groups. People of color have higher morbidity and mortality rates for several types of skin cancer as compared to white counterparts. This is probably secondary to late presentation and treatment. Certain types of skin cancer are more prevalent in whites as compared to other groups.
