Skin Color
The Role of Pigment in Skin Cancer
Melanocytes are the skin cells that make melanin pigment. Melanin is a great sunscreen. It absorbs UV without any resulting harm to the cell so it plays a major role in protecting the cell’s DNA from incoming UV. Genetics determines a person’s baseline melanin type, production, and packaging. Genetic variations code for all the different skin pigmentation types we see among members of the human race. More melanin pigment results in more UV being absorbed before it can reach the DNA in cells that are vulnerable to becoming cancer cells. As a result, according to the American Cancer Society, “Melanoma is more than 20 times more common in whites than in African Americans.”
When Fair is Not Fair
The word “fair” is commonly used to describe people with lightly pigmented skin or hair, for example “the girl with fair hair.” This could imply that the opposite, or dark pigmentation, is “unfair.” However, naturally dark skin provides far better protection against skin cancer. Regardless, Sun Safety for Kids advocates against using the word “fair” when describing white or lightly pigmented skin or hair color in order to eliminate any possibility of an associated value judgment tied to skin color.
Redheads
Humans produce two types of melanin pigment. One of them is brown, absorbs UV, and functions as an excellent sunscreen. The other pigment has a yellow orange color, does not absorb UV and therefore does not prevent UV damage to skin cells. An inherited variation in the gene that codes for melanin production results in a lack of the brown protective type so these individuals only produce the non protective melanin. The result is red hair, freckles, and white skin that does not tan. The effect on skin cancer risk is great. Redheads make up only 1 -2% of the world’s population, but account for 16% of people with melanoma. Because of this inherited vulnerability to skin cancer, children with red hair and freckles are in greatest need of, and definitely deserve, very careful sun protection.
