Is melanoma rare in Indians?

Is melanoma rare in Indians?

Malignant melanoma is an extremely rare malignancy in the Indian subcontinent and South east Asia. Its already known that Asian countries have different clinical presentation of melanoma.

Why is skin cancer relatively rare in people with dark skin?

The low incidence of skin cancers in darker skinned groups is primarily a result of photo-protection provided by increased epidermal melanin, which filters twice as much ultraviolet (UV) radiation as does that in the epidermis of Caucasians (Montagna and Carlisle, 1991).

Can Native Americans get melanoma?

Native Americans Do Get Skin Cancer Melanoma skin cancer among NAs is less common than among whites2; however, only 1 of 10 NAs report using sunscreen regularly on their bodies,1 and skin cancer among NAs often goes underdiagnosed until more advanced stages.

Is melanoma curable?

Melanoma is the most invasive skin cancer with the highest risk of death. While it’s a serious skin cancer, it’s highly curable if caught early. Prevention and early treatment are critical, especially if you have fair skin, blonde or red hair and blue eyes.

What is cause of melanoma?

The exact cause of all melanomas isn’t clear, but exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning lamps and beds increases your risk of developing melanoma. Limiting your exposure to UV radiation can help reduce your risk of melanoma.

What skin color is more prone to skin cancer?

People with light skin are much more likely to have their skin damaged by UV rays (and to get skin cancer), but darker-skinned people, including people of any ethnicity, can also be affected. For some people, the skin tans when it absorbs UV rays.

Why cancer cases are rising in India?

Apart from tobacco, alcohol, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle and environmental factors also contribute to the increase in cancers. “The overall living circumstances of the Indian population have improved and that have also led to a larger sedentary workforce, which has access to a high-calorie diet.

How did Native Americans protect their skin from the sun?

Indigenous Australians used to protect themselves from the sun using mud and leaves; they also used tea tree oil to relieve sunburn. Namibian tribes made ‘otjize’ which is a mixture of butterfat and ochre to protect their skin in the sun.

Is skin cancer more common in tropical countries like India?

While the good news is that the high dose of melanin in the Indian skin protects it, the bad news is that tropical countries like India are exposed to greater levels of UV radiation, which increases the chances of skin cancer.

Are American Indians and Alaska Natives more likely to get cancer?

There are big differences in the American Indians and Alaska Natives population who get certain cancers compared to non-Hispanic whites. American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) have much higher rates of getting lung, colorectal, liver, stomach, kidney, and other cancers compared to non-Hispanic white people in the United States.

Why is skin cancer more common in people with dark skin?

It is thought that melanin (pigment cells), which is more concentrated in dark skin, has a protective effect against sun exposure which is responsible for up to 90\% of all skin cancers. However, Indians and other people with medium-to-dark skin can still get skin cancer and it is often more deadly in these populations.

What is the skin cancer survival rate for African Americans?

While the risk of skin cancer is lower for those with darker skin, the five-year survival rate for melanoma for African Americans is 73 percent, compared with 91 percent for Caucasians, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.