There’s a dangerous misconception among people of color that they aren’t affected by skin cancer. Nothing could be further from the truth. When someone with brown or black skin is diagnosed with skin cancer, it’s often in the late stages, making treatment more difficult and outcomes worse.

Living in the Pacific Northwest, many people skip sunscreen or protective measures due to the frequent overcast skies and gray days. But don’t let those dreary skies fool you, skin damaging UV rays can still get through that cloud cover. Washington State has some of the highest skin cancer rates in the country. According to the state health department, Washington’s rate of invasive melanoma was 20% higher than the national rate in 2019. This makes awareness even more critical. 

We need this

 Cancer Pathways is tackling this issue head-on. With grant funding from Fred Hutch Office of Community Outreach and Engagement, we have launched a project to spread awareness about the risks of skin cancer in the Native American, Hispanic, Asian, Black, and other communities of color. It’s called SUNSET: Sun Safety, Education and Training and its components include a skin cancer prevention curriculum, community awareness events, and train-the-trainer sessions for health workers and navigators in BIPOC communities.

“We need this. So many of our people don’t think they can get skin cancer,” says Sara, a Native American Health Educator.

“It’s so important to increase awareness about skin cancer in people with black and brown skin, and the dangers of not protecting your skin,” says Terri Weeding, Inland Northwest Community Outreach Manager.. “Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, protective clothing, and wide-brimmed hats all offer protection from those rays.”

Awareness & early detection are key

 While it’s true that skin cancer rates are lower among people of color compared to white populations, the real issue is late diagnosis. Research from the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing reveals a stark survival gap: BIPOC individuals with melanoma have a 5-year survival rate of just 70%, compared to 92% for white individuals. This highlights the urgent need for better awareness and early detection in BIPOC communities. Additionally, studies have shown that acral lentiginous melanoma, a particularly aggressive form of skin cancer, is more common among people of color.

Skin cancer can be detected early. Here’s how: monthly skin self-exams. Noticing any changes in moles, growths or darker patches of skin. Done monthly you will be able to see differences, notify your primary care physician and determine if it’s skin cancer. Early detection means early treatment.

The good news is that there is a 99% survival rate for people whose melanoma is found through early detection. That is part of what Cancer Pathways is working on – sharing vital information for early detection through education and awareness. Increasing the knowledge that everyone, even those in BIPOC communities, is susceptible to skin cancer.  

For more information check out our resources page on our website, cancerpathways.org.