For a long time, I struggled to wrap my head around why Black people need sunscreen. “Black don't crack,” they say, so I thought my melanin was enough to protect me from every ray the sun threw at me.

I soon learned this was a dangerous misconception and that women of color are also at risk of sun damage and skin cancer.

I learned this fact a few years ago when a close friend of mine, who has beautiful dark skin, was diagnosed with melanoma. She had noticed a strange mole on her back that didn't seem to be going away and decided to get it checked out. It turned out to be cancerous, and she had to undergo surgery to remove it.

Although she was fortunate enough to catch it early, the experience was a wake-up call for both of us. We realized that women of color need to be just as vigilant about protecting their skin from the sun and getting regular skin checks as anyone else.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can affect anyone, regardless of race or ethnicity. While it is true that certain groups may have a higher risk of melanoma, people of color can also develop it. In fact, research has shown that Black people are more likely to die from melanoma because it is often diagnosed at a later stage when it is harder to treat.

Most times, melanoma is difficult to detect in women of color because it develops in areas not exposed to the sun, such as the soles of the feet, the palms of the hands, and underneath the nails. The misconception about Black people being immune to skin cancer has also left people going about unprotected.

So what can women of color do to protect themselves from melanoma?

1. Wear sunscreen daily

This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and apply it to all exposed skin every day, even on cloudy or overcast days.

2. Get regular skin checks

Early detection is key when treating melanoma, so it's good first to be aware of the symptoms and early signs, especially because it can camouflage easily in women of color. You can follow the ABCDE method to know if a mole is melanoma.

• Asymmetry: One half of the mole or spot looks different from the other half.

• Border: The edges of the mole or spot are irregular or blurred.

• Color: The mole or spot has different shades of brown, black, or other colors.

• Diameter: The mole or spot is larger than the size of a pencil eraser.

• Evolution: The mole or spot has changed in size, shape, color, or texture.