While some may falsely believe that skin cancer can’t happen to Black women, Slick’s diagnosis is a sobering reminder that that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Forms of Melanoma may not be as common in us as it is white women, but it’s definitely more deadly.
According to Cancer.org, the five-year survival rate for African-Americans is 69 percent compared with 93 percent for whites. Experts believe this mortality gap is largely due to the fact that by the time African-Americans are diagnosed, their cancer is at an advanced stage (52 percent compared to 16 percent among whites), which makes it harder to treat.
Here’s what sistas can do to protect themselves:
Slather On That Sunscreen: Sunscreen is our friend ladies! Despite all of our melanin, we still need this lotion to help protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays. So go ahead and slather it on and make sure to get in on your ears, in between your toes and fingers.
Don’t Slack On Getting Screened: While there is no “one size fits all” approach to how often you get checked, you still need to get checked.
Advocate For Yourself: No doubt, doctors are experts in their field, but it’s important to be confident that you are the expert of your own body. You know when things are not right. So if you feel that mole looks strange or your skin is changing, speak up!
Learn more about skin cancer at skincancer.org.
Prayers Up! Model Slick Woods Suffers Seizure, Shows Swollen Face & Lips On Instagram was originally published on hellobeautiful.com
