Although in the “books” the risk of some forms of skin cancer such as melanoma is not an issue underlined with a red line for Hispanics in New York, with the arrival of summer and practices of prolonged exposure to sun rays, without protection, some organizations such as the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) continue to warn that “although it is true that the rates of this disease are higher among whites, cases have increased more than 20% in the last two decades among Hispanics”.
In an updated report with data from this year, in fact, the risk of presenting melanoma is 1 for every 167 for Hispanics, compared to 1 for every 20 non-Hispanic whites. A much higher proportion, if contrasted with 10 years back.
“Although melanoma occurs less frequently among Hispanics, when it does occur, it is diagnosed at a more advanced stage of the disease. What must be warned is that when detected and treated early, most melanomas are highly curable. However, as it progresses it becomes much more difficult to treat”, highlights the MRA report.
This medical association highlights that it remains a “common myth” that Hispanics do not need to worry about melanoma and other types of skin cancer.
“The problem precisely because they are not considered a risk group is that, like other people of color, they often experience late diagnoses that complicate care,” the report asserts.
Fewer cases, but more serious
In this same direction, the organization UCLA Health, which promotes the expansion of equitable health programs, confirms that the risks of skin cancer continue to increase in this community and that data show that on average this ethnic group presents thicker tumors and have a higher probability of metastasis (spread) than their white peers.
“Reasons for these disparities may include unawareness of risks and symptoms, lack of sun-safe behaviors, and less access to insurance. doctor”, UCLA spokespersons point out.
Ninth type of cancer in NY
According to data from the Department or New York State Health, melanoma is the ninth most common type of cancer among men and women. The statistics further confirm that more than 4, New Yorkers are diagnosed with this form of skin cancer and 500 die from it each year.
Specifically, among adults from 20 to 34 years, melanoma is among the four most frequent types of cancer.
For his part, the Colombian dermatologist Luis Manuel Carrizo, a resident of Manhattan, who has been retired from medical practice for five years, considers that “to date” Hispanics, especially the younger ones, continue to with the “limited vision” of assuming that being “brown, brunette, dark, indigenous or simply not blonde” is a condition that frees them from these cancerous lesions.
“It has been said endlessly about the need for sun protection and the inconveniences of tanning in the sun po r hours. But sometimes all these campaigns are useless. More can vanity. Obviously there are genetic issues. And there are people who never sunbathe and test positive for these lesions. But in the large proportion of cases I saw, people had unhealthy sun exposure habits. It is the truth”, the doctor commented to El Diario.
Some calculations published by the American Society Against Cancer highlight that this 2022 will be diagnosed approximately 97,780 new cases of melanoma (about 57 ,180 in men and 42,600 in women).
In addition, it is estimated that approximately 7,650 people will die (5,080 men and 2, 600 women) because of this evil.
How can I prevent skin cancer?
According to the New York State Department of Health it is recommended:
- Avoid exposure to ultraviolet radiation, either from an indoor tanning device or from natural light.
- Use a sunscreen labeled as “broad spectrum” with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. SPF 15 blocks the 93 % of UV rays, while SPF 30 blocks the 97 % of UV rays.
- Apply sunscreen to dry skin of 15 a 30 minutes before going outdoors and again after swimming or sweating.
- Never use a tanning bed, booth, or sunlamp.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants whenever possible.
- Wear sunglasses that block both types of UV rays (UVA and UVB). Sunglasses will protect the delicate skin around the eyes.
- Avoid direct sun at noon, between 10 am and 4 pm, when the sun’s rays are strongest.
- Follow these tips even on cloudy days! Clouds do not block most UV rays.
The Data:
167 people die each year in the Big Apple and 1,000 receive a new diagnosis, the Department highlights on its website New York City Department of Health (DOHMH)