Skin cancer primary prevention by counseling patients with different skin tones

Abstract

Early sun exposure in pediatric and adolescent years predisposes individuals to skin cancer, and providing counseling about photoprotective behaviors can reduce this risk in both children and adults. In the United States, people with dark skin tones have higher mortality rates from skin cancer, yet there is a lower incidence of skin malignancies in these populations. Research suggests this is due to inadequate understanding and medical training regarding dermatologic disease in skin of color.

Keywords

• skin cancer
• dark skin
• primary prevention
• pediatric dermatology
• health equity