A study conducted by experts from Cincinnati University has found that people with dark skin are more likely to die from skin cancer than those with fairer skin. But the disease is less common among dark skin people, although it is often diagnosed later leading to more deaths.

The study warns people of all races should protect themselves from the sun's rays. The finding disproves the common perception that people with fair skin are more likely to develop skin cancer.

A BBC news report quotes Dr Hugh Gloster, the lead researcher of the study, as saying, "There's a perception that people with darker skin don't have to worry about skin cancer, but that's not true."

Gloster adds that, "Minorities do get skin cancer, and because of this false perception most cases aren't diagnosed until they are more advanced and difficult to treat." He says when minority races develop skin cancer; they are more likely to die as the condition is always discovered late.

The team admitted that extra pigment in darker skin provides additional protection against ultra violet rays from the sun. However, this can wrongfully lead to assumptions that that darker skinned people don't need to take proper precautions.

While addressing a meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology in San Diego, Dr. Gloster called on doctors to always ensure that patients of all races use sunscreen and self-check for skin cancers.