I recently discovered a dark, odd-shaped mole on my leg. It's small, round, and the edge of it has an unusual shape and it is Black in colour. I was recently told it could be skin cancer and I have to get it biopsied. My first thought is how can Black people get skin cancer. But, anyone can. And, Black people who live in Northern countries like Lithuania can become vulnerable to skin cancer for two reasons:
1.Vitamin D Deficiency: Regular exposure to sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, which is essential for overall health, including immune function and skin health. Some studies suggest that adequate vitamin D levels may be protective against certain types of cancer, including skin cancer. A deficiency might impair the body’s ability to regulate cellular processes.
2.Skin Adaptation: Skin that is not regularly exposed to sunlight may lose some of its natural pigmentation over time. Fair-skinned individuals, in particular, may be more susceptible to damage from UV radiation when they do eventually expose their skin to the sun, potentially increasing their risk.
There is therefore such a thing as balanced sun exposure. Protective measures, such as using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing, are crucial for limiting skin cancer risk when exposed to sunlight. Avoiding excessive sun exposure is essential to reduce the risk of skin cancer due to UV radiation. Balancing sun exposure while ensuring adequate vitamin D levels, possibly through diet or supplements, can be part of an overall health strategy. Speak to a dermatologist for more detailed and specific advice on skin cancer avoidance if you live in a Northern country, you are Black, and you rarely get sun exposure. Now, I'm off to make an appointment with my dermatologist.