HOUSTON – Messages about the risk of skin cancer are often directed at fair-skinned people. There's a new effort underway to spread awareness of the risks of skin cancer, specifically melanoma.
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and there's a new effort underway to make sure people of color know they can be affected by it too.
Having brown skin is an advantage because melanin that creates darker pigmentation provides more protection against sun damage. But experts said it's still no guarantee against skin cancers like melanoma.
Pearland teen Kai Dunbar was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma when she was just 9 years old.
"I had a mole on the right side of my face and it started changing, so I told my mom about it. They X-rayed it and they told me it was cancer," she said.
The diagnosis stunned Kai's parents.
"We never thought that this was melanoma, it never crossed our mind, because she never played outside a lot, we were never out in the sun. This was a fluke," Kimberly Dunbar said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, incidents of skin cancer among Blacks, Hispanics and Asians are lower than in whites.
But while the disease is less common, it is more likely to be deadly for people of color, because they tend to be diagnosed at a later stage.
After treatment by doctors at M.D. Anderson, Kai, now 17, is in remission.
"You should still get checked, you should still watch for changes. Watch how much sun you get, wear long sleeves, hats, protect yourself," she said.
She and her family are hoping others learn from her story.
"A lot of people think you won't get it because of your skin color. Yes you can get it," Kimberly said.
Doctors recommend a monthly self-check of any moles you have and said you should visit a dermatologist for a full body check once a year.