(BlackDoctor.org) -- A recent study, which surveyed 2,187 African American adults, revealed that 63 percent of them had never used sunscreen. Only 31 percent were found to protect themselves from the sun in at least one way, such as wearing a hat. And although the incidence of skin cancer is more than 10 times higher among whites, African Americans who contract melanoma have a far lower survival rate than whites – mainly because diagnosis tends to be much later.

Many believe that melanin, the pigment that gives her skin its hue, provides blacks with enough protection from the sun. Some think about wearing sunscreen, but nine times out of ten, they don’t wear it. People who don't wear sun block may have grown up in households where their parents and siblings never used it.

But it is important to note that melanoma does not discriminate and that African Americans are more likely to die from melanoma -- the deadliest, most common form of skin cancer -- than are Caucasians in the United States. Although African Americans have a lower incidence of skin cancer, they are still at risk for developing it. That risk holds true for darker-skinned people of any race.

African Americans diagnosed are often surprised to learn that they have the skin cancer because they don’t think that it is possible to develop melanoma, and oftentimes they don't know any member of the family that has ever had the condition.

It is recommended that African Americans use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher every day, and they should reapply it every three hours if out in the sun. You can also protect yourself from the harm dangers of sun exposure by wearing clothing that covers arms and legs, and a hat with a wide brim. And on sunny days, seek shade, especially at midday.

By Brittany Gatson, BDO Staff Writer