The Skin We’re In: Why Black and Brown Communities Must Take Skin Cancer Seriously

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on a disease that often hides in plain sight, especially in communities of color.

As a Black woman, survivor, and advocate, I have learned firsthand that myths can be dangerous. One of the most harmful is the belief that darker skin provides full protection from skin cancer. While melanin does offer some protection, it does not make us immune.

The Unseen Threat

Skin cancer affects people of every background. Although the overall rates are lower in Black and Brown communities, the outcomes are often far worse. Delayed diagnoses, limited access to dermatology, and a lack of inclusive medical imagery all play a role.

Here is what the numbers show:

• Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, has a five-year survival rate of more than 99 percent when detected early. That rate drops to 35 percent when the cancer has spread to distant organs. (Source: American Cancer Society)
• In 2025, an estimated 8,430 people in the United States will die from melanoma. (Source: SEER, National Cancer Institute)
• A 2024 study found that Black men have a 26 percent higher risk of death from melanoma than white men, even when diagnosed at similar stages. (Source: TIME Magazine)

These statistics are not just numbers. They are stories that end too soon.

Genetic Risk and My Personal Connection

For some of us, the risk is even greater. I carry both the BRCA2 and PMS2 gene mutations and have been diagnosed with Lynch syndrome. These genetic conditions increase my chances of developing a wide range of cancers, including breast, ovarian, colorectal, uterine, and yes, even skin cancer.

Because of this, I include yearly full-body skin checks by a dermatologist in my lifelong prevention plan. This is how I advocate for my future. It is not about fear. It is about honoring my health and using knowledge to take action.

Scientific studies back this up:

• Women with BRCA2 mutations have a 2.3 percent lifetime risk of developing melanoma, compared to 1.5 percent in the general population. (Source: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered – FORCE)
• While the connection between PMS2 mutations and skin cancer is still being studied, Lynch syndrome as a whole increases the risk for several types of cancer. Experts recommend regular skin screenings for those who carry this mutation. (Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)

When you live with genetic mutations like I do, every screening becomes a vital step in protecting your life.

Public Figures and Skin Cancer Awareness

Skin cancer does not discriminate, and recent health experiences of public figures help remind us of that.

In 2023, President Joe Biden had a basal cell carcinoma removed from his chest during a routine physical. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. While it rarely spreads, early detection is crucial. The cancerous tissue was removed completely and no further treatment was needed. (Source: NPR)

That same year, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden had Mohs surgery to remove three lesions, two of which were confirmed as basal cell carcinoma. All were removed successfully with clear margins. (Source: The Skin Cancer Foundation)

These stories show that no one is immune. Early detection saved them. It can save us too.

The Feet Do Not Lie: What the Soles Can Reveal

One of the most overlooked areas in skin cancer detection, especially in Black and Brown individuals, is the soles of the feet.

We tend to ignore this part of our body. It is hidden most of the time. It is not associated with sun exposure. But melanoma, especially a form called acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), often shows up on the soles, palms, and under nails. This type of melanoma is more common among people with darker skin and is often detected too late.

The feet can also reveal early warning signs of other conditions like diabetes, circulation issues, and heart disease. Changes in color, texture, pain, or temperature should never be ignored.

Here is what you can do:

• Look at the bottoms of your feet every time you moisturize or trim your nails
• Check for spots, lines under the nails, or discoloration that was not there before
• Use a mirror or ask a loved one to help if you cannot see clearly
• Do not dismiss anything as too small to matter

Our feet carry our stories. They carry our healing. They carry us forward. We need to give them the attention they deserve.

Why the Disparities Exist

Many healthcare providers are not trained to recognize skin cancer on darker skin. Most medical training and textbooks focus on how diseases present on white skin. This leaves gaps in diagnosis and treatment for Black and Brown individuals.

Melanoma in people of color often appears in less obvious areas such as the soles, under the nails, or on the scalp. These locations are frequently missed during standard exams.

We are not immune. We have been ignored.

What You Can Do Today

• Do monthly skin checks. Look from head to toe, including hard-to-see places like your scalp and soles
• Schedule yearly dermatology visits. Especially if you have a genetic mutation or family history of cancer
• Use SPF daily. Choose sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, even indoors or on cloudy days
• Speak up. Share your story, ask questions, and advocate for culturally competent care

At The Advocate’s Table, we believe your skin, your voice, and your wellness deserve to be seen and heard. Early detection is power. Access to care is justice. And representation is long overdue.

This Skin Cancer Awareness Month, pull up a seat and check in with your body. Let your story guide someone else toward their own healing.

#TheAdvocatesTable #SkinCancerAwareness #BlackHealthMatters #HealthJustice #PullUpASeat #LinkedInCommunity #TheResearchChair

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Sources and References

1. American Cancer Society. “Survival Rates for Melanoma Skin Cancer by Stage” https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/melanoma-skin-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates-for-melanoma-skin-cancer-by-stage.html
2. National Cancer Institute, SEER Data. “Melanoma of the Skin – Cancer Stat Facts” https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/melan.html
3. TIME Magazine. “New Research Reveals Racial Disparities in Melanoma Survival Rates for Men” https://time.com/6293486/melanoma-survival-rates-for-men-race
4. Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE). “Skin Cancer Among Women with BRCA Mutations” https://www.facingourrisk.org/XRAY/skin-cancer-among-women-with-BRCA-mutations
5. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. “About Mutations in the PMS2 Gene” https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/about-mutations-pms2-gene
6. NPR. “Biden had skin cancer removed from chest during his physical, White House says” https://www.npr.org/2023/03/03/1161049252/biden-skin-cancer
7. The Skin Cancer Foundation. “Dr. Jill Biden Undergoes Mohs Surgery” https://www.skincancer.org/blog/first-lady-jill-biden-undergoes-mohs-surgery