Consumer Alert: Dermatologists Warn Skin Cancer is an Equal-Opportunity Hea...( Young women Hispanics and African-Ame...),Health

Young women, Hispanics and African-Americans are at a greater risk

than they might think

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., May 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- According to current estimates, more than 1 million cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year. While historically those most at risk for developing skin cancer are fair-skinned individuals with blonde or red hair, light eyes, and generally older populations, dermatologists advise that those who do not fit this profile are not immune. In fact, some dermatologists are reporting an increased incidence of skin cancer in younger women and people with skin of color - with the latter group often facing a bleaker outcome due to delayed diagnosis.

At the recent 67th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), research presented by dermatologist Jason K. Rivers, MD, FRCPC, FAAD, clinical professor of dermatology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, found a higher than expected incidence of basal cell carcinoma in a small population of women under age 40. In other research unveiled at this meeting, dermatologist Robert S. Kirsner, MD, PhD, FAAD, vice chairman and Stiefel professor in the department of dermatology and cutaneous surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, reported the incidence of melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) among Hispanics and African-Americans in Florida is higher than the national average.