Alaska Natives and American Indians have been found to have significantly higher rates of skin cancer compared to white Americans, according to a recent study published in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) Dermatology. The study addresses the underreporting of melanoma in Native communities, which has been driven by the inaccurate classification of race in data collection.
The study utilized data from a population-based cancer registry maintained by the Indian Health Service (IHS) from 1999 to 2019. The findings revealed that Alaska Natives and American Indians had the second-highest rates of skin cancer, surpassed only by white Americans. This highlights the presence of previously overlooked health disparities in the AI/AN population and emphasizes the importance of minimizing racial misclassification in healthcare data.
Melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, is responsible for more than 9,000 deaths in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is worth noting that male mortality rates for melanoma exceed double those of females across all races, as indicated by CDC data.
Skin cancer is highly preventable, with avoiding exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and refraining from indoor tanning being key preventative measures. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology discovered that AI/AN individuals utilize sun protection methods such as wearing hats and seeking shade less frequently compared to other racial groups. Furthermore, AI/AN individuals reported a higher frequency of using indoor tanning devices compared to other minority groups.
To safeguard against the harmful effects of UV rays while outdoors, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends the following precautions:
– Wear protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats.
– Seek shade, especially during peak sun hours.
– Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) to exposed skin.
– Wear sunglasses that provide UV protection.
– Avoid indoor tanning facilities altogether.
The study’s author, Kaili Berg, a member of the Alutiiq/Sugpiaq Nation and a staff reporter for Native News Online and Tribal Business News, emphasizes the significance of additional research to better understand the factors contributing to higher incidence rates of melanoma in non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native individuals.
As researchers delve deeper into this issue, a better understanding can be gained regarding the underlying causes. This knowledge may pave the way for targeted interventions and initiatives aimed at reducing the incidence of skin cancer among Alaska Natives and American Indians. Ultimately, it is crucial to further investigate and address the health disparities faced by these communities, as well as prioritize racial accuracy in healthcare data collection and reporting.
