Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are certainly at risk of developing melanoma with research showing that they are often diagnosed at a later stage and carry a higher mortality risk.

Between 2009-2013 the melanoma incidence rate for Indigenous Australians was 9.3 cases per 100,000 compared with 33 cases per 100,000 for non-Indigenous [1]
These figures highlight the ongoing risk and need for accessible diagnostic and treatment services, particularly in rural and remote areas.

Our Aussie sun is harsh and regardless of skin type we must maintain sun protection measures which include seeking shade whenever possible, using sunglasses, wearing a broad brimmed hat and ensuring adequate skin coverage with a long sleeved shirt. [2]

Acral lentiginous melanoma is the most common form of skin cancer in people with darker skin and it most commonly appears on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and under finger and toe nails. It starts as a dark spot and spreads. [3]
Pay attention to new things on your skin, any spots that do not grow out of your nails, get a check by a skin cancer practitioner.

Uveal Melanoma is rare in darker skinned individuals but they do occur. These intraocular melanomas appear as a lesion (spot) on the skin of the eye. [3] If you have any spots on your eyes visit an optometrist, they have special equipment to be able to identify suspicious moles in the eye.

When we perform a skin check, we check your entire skin from head to toe, this includes palms of hands, soles of feet, all nails and eyes.

References:
1. AIHW. Cancer in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people of Australia. Australian Government 2018. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/can/109/cancer-in-indigenous-australians/contents/cancer-type/melanoma-of-the-skin-c43

2. Be SunSmart. Cancer council 2021. Available from: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/be-sunsmart

3.MIA Media. “Acral and Uveal Melanoma.” Melanoma Institute Australia, 24 Feb.2022, melanoma.org.au/news/acral-and-uveal-melanoma/#.