Are Light-Skinned People More Prone to Melanoma Skin Cancer? Here’s How You Can Protect Your Skin from Getting Affected

Melanoma skin cancer is one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer, caused by excessive sun exposure.

While the risk depends on certain factors such as lifestyle, family history, skin pigmentation, and personal history of medical issues, skin color can also be a big factor in skin cancer, especially if you're a light-skinned individual.

Everyone’s skin can be affected by sun exposure and other forms of UV rays, but people with light skin are more likely to get tanned and have their skin damaged by the sun. Though darker-skinned people can also be affected, the risk factor is high for light-skinned individuals.

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Why light-skinned people are more prone to skin damage?

That's because of melanin - a natural sunscreen inside the body that protects the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. People with deep-pigmented skin have more melanin compared to people with light skin.

Melanin prevents UV rays from damaging the skin, which is why people with darker skin are less likely to get tanned, while people with lighter skin are more likely to get sunburned. That increases the risk of melanoma skin cancer for light-skinned individuals.

An important point to note here is that sun exposure can increase risk of skin cancer even without causing sunburn. Read on to learn more about melanoma – what is it, its causes, symptoms, and tips to protect your skin.

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What is melanoma?

Light-skinned people are more likely to get sunburn. (Photo via Pexels/Pixabay)

Melanoma is one of the most fatal skin cancers with the highest risk of death. It grows inside the body very rapidly, and in some cases, also spreads to other organs. It develops in melanocytes - the cells that produce melanin - which is the pigment that gives people their skin color.

Although it's more common in light-skinned people, it can occur in individuals of any skin type. People who're deeply pigmented or have darker skin often get melanoma skin cancer on their soles, palms, and nails.

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What causes melanoma skin cancer?

Asymmetry moles can cause melanoma skin cancer. (Photo via Pexels/Ron Lach)

The most common cause of melanoma skin cancer is overexposure to sunlight, especially sunburns.

Apart from that, UV radiation from tanning beds is also a risk factor for melanoma. The World Health Organization has designated tanning beds as carcinogens (cancer-causing elements), as they are related to over 5,000 plus cases of melanoma in the United States per year.

Although melanoma can affect anyone, an increased risk is typically seen in people with the following:

• Family or personal history of melanoma
• Weakened immune system
• Fair skin and freckles
• Blistering sunburns
• History of using tanning bed
• Atypical moles

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What does melanoma look like?

The first sign of melanoma is generally a change in the feel, color, size, and shape of an existing mole, but it may also appear as a new mole.

In some cases, melanoma skin cancer can appear as open sores, scaly patches, or raised bumps. The skin color might change or become uneven, and the mole can become asymmetrical or change in size over weeks or months.

If you experience such signs in your body, immediately consult your doctor, and seek medical attention. Melanoma skin cancer can only be treated successfully if it's detected early.

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How can you protect your skin from getting affected?

Reduce your risk of melanoma skin cancer by applying sunscreen daily. (Photo via Pexels/Armin Rimoldi)

While you can’t completely control the formation of skin cancer, you can reduce the risks by protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure and sunburns. Follow these tips to keep your skin protected:

• Avoid sun exposure, especially between 11:00 am and 4 pm, or at least cover your face; wear long-sleeved upper wear and pants, and use good quality sunglasses to protect the eyes.
• Never use tanning beds. Instead, you may use a spray tan.
• Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when going out or even when you're indoors. Reapply your sunscreen every two hours or more, especially if you sweat a lot.
• Protect your lips by applying a good quality lip balm, and make sure it has SPF as well.

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To reduce risk of melanoma skin cancer, early detection is very important. Hence, make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any new moles, skin discolorations, or sores. Also, get your skin checked regularly to identify any possible skin problems that may be a risk factor for skin cancer.