Skin Cancer Doesn’t Discriminate
Skin Cancer Doesn’t Discriminate: Why Annual Skin Checks Matter for All Skin Tones
At Bergen Dermatology in Hackensack NJ we talk about skin health a lot but one of the most important and potentially lifesaving conversations we have is about skin cancer prevention and early detection.
Here’s the truth:
Skin cancer can affect anyone regardless of age ethnicity or skin tone. Yet many people especially those with melanin-rich skin still believe they’re not at risk. That myth can delay diagnosis and in some cases cost lives.
🔬 What Is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. It falls into two main categories:
Melanoma the most dangerous form
Non-melanoma skin cancers including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
These can appear anywhere on the body even in areas not typically exposed to the sun. That’s why comprehensive head-to-toe skin checks are non-negotiable.
⚠️ Melanoma in Skin of Color: What to Know
Melanoma may be more common in lighter skin but in Black and Brown skin it’s often diagnosed later which increases risk.
In melanin-rich skin melanoma often shows up in areas we don’t think to look including:
- Scalp
- Genitals
- Nails (subungual melanoma)
- Soles of the feet and palms
- Inside the mouth or eyes
Translation: If your skin check isn’t examining these areas you’re not getting a full picture of your skin health.
🧴 Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers Are More Common Than You Think
🟠 Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Pearly or waxy bump
Scar-like area that won’t heal
Common on face ears neck and scalp
🔺 Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Rough scaly patches
Sores that crust or bleed
Can show up on sun-exposed areas lips genitals and scalp
Both can become dangerous if ignored but the good news is they're treatable when caught early.
Clinical pearl: FDA approved nonablative fractional lasers can help reverse actinic damage and treat precancerous lesions. Ablative fractional lasers also show promise in preventing nonmelanoma skin cancers. This makes laser therapy not just cosmetic but potentially lifesaving especially for patients with extensive sun damage or history of actinic keratoses.
☀️ But I Wear Sunscreen… Do I Still Need a Skin Check?
Yes. Sunscreen is critical but it’s not a replacement for a skin exam.
Skin cancer can develop in areas never exposed to sunlight especially in darker skin tones.
At Bergen Dermatology we go beyond the standard exam with:
- Scalp checks (especially if you have thinning or textured hair)
- Genital skin exams (yes they matter)
- Nail foot and mucosal checks to detect hidden melanomas
🧬 Why It Matters for Skin of Color
People with darker skin tones are:
- Less likely to be screened early for skin cancer
- More likely to have advanced disease at the time of diagnosis
- More likely to have melanoma in overlooked areas (nails soles genitals)
It’s not just about sun damage. It’s about being thorough proactive and seen.
📌 What to Expect at Your Full Body Skin Exam
At Bergen Dermatology your annual skin cancer screening includes:
- Head to toe skin check
- Scalp examination
- Genital and mucosal inspection (discreet respectful and necessary)
- Review of moles growths and changes in skin tone or texture
We’re experienced in evaluating all skin tones and specialize in early skin cancer detection in patients of color.
📣 This Is Your Reminder: Book Your Annual Skin Check
Your skin isn’t just your largest organ it’s your first line of defense.
Let’s keep it healthy.
Annual full-body skin exams save lives especially when they include those commonly missed areas.
✅ Scalp? Checked.
✅ Genitals? Checked.
✅ Under nails and between toes? Yes we go there because it matters.
🗓️ Book your annual skin cancer screening in Hackensack NJ today.
Trust Bergen Dermatology to give your skin the attention it deserves.
