the melanoma, it is a malignant tumor that develops from skin cells called melanocytes. In 2012, this cancer – rare but very aggressive – caused the death of 1,672 French people; every year, 7,000 new cases are diagnosed in France. If melanoma mainly affects people aged 40 to 50, unfortunately some populations are more at risk than others: this is the case with Bretons, from pregnant women, from airline pilots…
According to a new study from the University in Cleveland (in the United States), melanoma is particularly dangerous in people with black skin. To reach this conclusion, the researchers observed the state of health of 97,000 patients affected by this skin cancer for 17 years (from 1992 to 2009).
Verdict: In patients of European, Hispanic or Asian descent, the 5-year survival rate was quite high (over 90% in cases of melanoma diagnosed at stage 1). But in African American patients, the statistics were significantly less optimistic.
“Black skin is not protected against melanoma”
Several reasons for this, according to the researchers. First, they noticed that in people who have black skin, melanoma is usually detected late: “African American patients sometimes think that they are protected against melanoma, because of their skin color. ‘is totally wrong: skin cancer affects all skin types, regardless of color. And I want to remember that black skin can also get a sunburn… “explains Dr. Jeremy S. Bordeaux, co-author of this study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
“We have also noticed that, even when the diagnosis is early, melanoma is more aggressive in black skin. Further studies will be needed to understand this situation.”
The main enemy of the skin is the sun. To prevent melanoma, therefore, avoid sunbathing, especially between noon and 4 p.m. Sunscreen is also essential: choose a high index (20, at least), to renew every two hours and after each swim. On the surveillance side, do not hesitate to regularly inspect your moles: if they have asymmetry, blurred and / or irregular edges, several colors, a diameter of more than 6 mm … an appointment with the dermatologist is essential!
