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Trouble spots

Study shows Latino skin still vulnerable to sun damage, melanoma

The ability to tan or escape sunburn more easily than their Anglo peers does not mean Latinos get a free pass when it comes to the damaging power of the sun’s rays.

In fact, the tendency to forego the extra sunscreen or long-sleeved shirt because darker skin tans easier than lighter skin has proven costly to Hispanics, according to a recent study published in the American Cancer Society journal Cancer.

The rate of melanoma increased significantly among Hispanic men between 1998 and 2001, with a nearly 2-percent increase in incidence rate each year, according to the study. Less severe was the 0.6- percent increase among Hispanic women.

The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that one in 50 Americans will get melanoma, a tumor that originates in the cells that produce skin pigment, in his or her lifetime by 2010. Currently that risk is one in 62.

While the problem still affects the fair-skinned population at a higher rate, researchers say that thicker melanomas were found in Latinos, probably a result of late discovery and diagnosis. Studies have shown a correlation between the thickness of the tumors and survival rate.

Ana Lilia Amador, health educator at the Arizona Cancer Center at the University of Arizona, says that language and lack of access to education or information are among the barriers Hispanics face in the skin cancer battle. But even Latinos who are informed admit to not taking the extra time to apply sunscreen.

"Most of the time, people don’t want to deal with it," says Amador.

Arizona is No. 1 in the nation and second in the world only to Australia in skin cancer rates. Amador says Latinos or anyone who thinks they are safe because they have darker skin or tan well needs to change that mindset.

"You know when you hit something and you get a bruise? That’s the same thing. A tan is a bruise from the sun," she says.

"It’s important to get the message to everybody. We all must be protected the same way."

Visit www.azcc.arizona.edu to learn more about melanoma and other skin cancers.

OTHER FACTORS
• Moles or freckles; have blond, red or light brown hair.
• Family history of skin cancer; Live or vacation at high altitudes or tropical climates.
• Spend a lot of time outdoors, or work indoors all week and tan on the weekends.
• Have certain autoimmune diseases (such as Lupus), or take antibiotics, birth control pills or other medication.

PROTECTIVE MEASURES
• Limiting direct sunlight during midday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., even on cloudy days.
• Cover up limbs, wear a hat with a 2- to 3-inch brim all around.
• Use body lotion, facial moisturizer and lip balm (SPF 15 or higher).
• Before swimming or lengthy outdoor activity, apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes beforehand; reapply every two hours or more often if swimming.
• Wear sunglasses that block UV rays.
• Avoid tanning beds.
• Six-month dermatology checks.