More than 100,000 melanomas are estimated to be diagnosed this year, according to the American Cancer Society.
While people with darker skin have a lower risk of this skin cancer, research shows it’s often not detected and diagnosed until a later stage.
It’s a skin cancer myth that experts are trying to debunk: Cancer doesn’t only develop on light skin.
Anyone can get it, but health experts say it may be different for people with darker skin.
“When that melanoma appears, it doesn’t really appear in sites that we commonly think where melanoma shows up,” said Dr. Shanthi Sivendran, senior vice president of the American Cancer Society.
The American Cancer Society says that while melanomas aren’t common on darker skin, when they do occur, they may be hard to spot.
It can grow on the sole of feet, appear under a fingernail, or even on the palm of a hand.
Melanoma can also grow in or near the scalp, which is why experts say it’s critical to know your skin and watch for changes.
“If you’re not looking at those places that you don’t typically think about, then when the melanoma is caught, it may be more advanced, it can be deeper,” said Sivendran.
Other skin cancers look different on darker skin, too — including basal cell carcinoma —which might look lighter or darker than the person’s usual skin tone.
Kaposi sarcoma usually appears as tumors on the skin or places inside the mouth. It can also happen in other parts of the body.
With squamous cell carcinoma, most can be cured with treatment or minor surgery.
“The same concept of looking for something that looks different than everything else that might be in that area, looking for something that’s new and if it’s non-healing or bleeding, those are all reasons to bring it to the attention of your healthcare provider,” said Sivendran.
The American Cancer Society says the risk of melanoma rises with age, but it’s not uncommon in younger adults, even those under the age of 30.
The organization says it’s one of the most common cancers in young adults, especially young women.