Elizabeth Buchbinder, MD, explains how skin color influences melanoma risk.

While individuals with lighter skin tones have a higher risk of cutaneous melanoma, those with darker skin tones are still at risk, particularly for melanomas on the hands, feet, or mucous membranes. These melanomas are often harder to detect, more aggressive, and diagnosed later, making early detection crucial. Watching for changes in moles, itching, bleeding, or growth is essential for everyone, regardless of skin color.

Want to learn more about skin cancer risk, screening and prevention? Visit: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/treatment/cutaneous-skin-cancer