Indigenous Americans are more likely to have melanoma than most racial groups.
CHICAGO-A study published earlier this year by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) Dermatology shows that Indigenous Americans have the second-highest rates of skin cancer.
The study draws on data from an Indian Health Service (IHS) population-based cancer registry from 1999-2019.
Skin cancer, or melanoma, causes more than 9,000 deaths per year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the CDC, twice as many men of all races die from melanoma than women..
Skin cancer is the most common and preventable cancer. It can be prevented by a person avoiding ultraviolet rays from the sun and not participating in indoor tanning. The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology reveals that Native Americans use sun protection less frequesntly-including wearing hats and seeking shade when outdoors-than other racial groups. Native Americans also reported using indoor tanning devices more frequently than other groups.
As we enter summer, here are some other steps you can take to protect yourself from damaging UV rays outside:
• Seek shade. The sun's rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Especially any time your shadow appears shorter than you are, seek shade.
• Wear sun-protective clothing, such as lightweight, long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection. You can also select clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label.
• Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to skin not covered by clothing. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
