How skin cancer affects different skin types
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, probably thanks to our year-round sunshine and outdoor lifestyle. About two-thirds of us will eventually be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer.
Skin types
While anyone can develop skin cancer, the risk factors, symptoms, and challenges vary depending on your skin type.
You may think of your skin as oily or dry but we look at a different factor when assessing your skin cancer risk. That’s your skin’s phototype – the way it reacts to sunlight.
The Fitzpatrick classification identifies 6 different skin types based on the amount of melanin pigment in your skin. This is determined by its natural colour (influenced by your ethnicity) and how it reacts to sun exposure.
According to the Fitzpatrick classification, there are 6 key skin types:
Type I: Very fair skin that always burns and never tans.
Type II: Fair skin that usually burns and tans minimally.
Type III: Medium skin that sometimes burns but tans uniformly.
Type IV: Olive or darker skin that rarely burns and tans easily.
Type V: Brown skin that almost never burns and tans darkly.
Type VI: Dark brown or black skin that never burns.
How to know your skin type
Lighter Skin: Lighter skin has less melanin, making you more vulnerable to sunburn. That can increase the risk of all types of skin cancer.
If you have lighter skin, it’s important that you protect your skin. Follow SunSmart advice and avoid tanning beds to exposure to harmful UV radiation.
Darker Skin: Darker skin contains more melanin, giving you greater natural protection against UV. You’re less likely to get sunburn, which reduces your risk of skin cancer.
However, sunburn isn’t the only cause of skin cancer. Certain types of UV rays don’t burn your skin but they do cause cell damage beneath the surface, which may develop into skin cancer.
In addition, dark-skinned people may experience a delayed diagnosis of skin cancer, which can make the condition harder to treat successfully.
Lastly, if you have darker skin, you may be at higher risk of acral lentiginous melanoma, a type of skin cancer that occurs on the fingers, toes, hands, feet and nailbeds.
Types of skin cancer
There are 3 main types of skin cancer:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Common in: Fair-skinned individuals.
Appearance: Waxy bumps, flat lesions, or scar-like areas.
Prevalence: Rarely spreads but can be disfiguring if untreated.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Common in: Fair-skinned individuals and those with significant UV exposure.
Appearance: Red, scaly patches, open sores, or wart-like growths.
Prevalence: Can metastasise (spread) if untreated.
Melanoma:
Common in: All skin types though may be diagnosed later in darker skin.
Appearance: Irregular moles or pigmented lesions.
Prevalence: Less common than other skin cancers but responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths.
Protecting your skin whatever your skin type
The Australian sun is powerful. It can feel lovely and warm on your skin but it can do great damage, even on dull days or through windows.
Whatever your skin type, it’s vital that you protect your skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays. That means:
Applying SPF50+ sunscreen whenever you go out
Covering up with rashies or shirts
Wearing a broad-brimmed hat
Sliding on sunglasses
Seeking shade.
Regular skin checks are an important way to identify early signs of skin cancer. You can check your own skin, looking for any moles or spots that are new or changing in size, shape or colour.
It’s wise to have a doctor check your skin regularly as they have training and equipment that you don’t have. They can also check parts of your body that you can’t easily see yourself.
How can I help?
As a plastic surgeon, I treat skin cancers requiring surgical removal. My main goal is to remove the cancer but I pay close attention to maintaining your skin’s appearance too.
Please contact me to book a consultation and discuss how I can help you.
Disclaimer
All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Results may vary. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
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