UNVEILING THE MASK OF SKIN BLEACHING AND SKIN CANCER

Annually, during the month of May, there is a month-long Skin Cancer Awareness Campaign. For this purpose, Vice Versa Media Ghana joins hands with the American Academy of Dermatology Association and World Health Organization to advocate and educate against the risks of skin cancer.

Addressing the issues of Skin bleaching requires multifaceted approach which includes advocacy, education and governmental policies that are put in place to curb its effects. There are many procedures that individuals employ to achieve their desired look because of the need to attain unachievable beauty standards and to fit in a society, one of which is skin bleaching. This is one extreme practice that has gained attention across the Globe. Skin bleaching carries a number of risks and implications, both psychologically and physically.

Dellasie Aning, a Ghanian living in the diaspora, is a typical example of an individual who champions the awareness of skin bleaching across the globe. She is well-known for her varied positions in the music industry, activism, and humanitarianism.

TACKLING SKIN CANCER THROUGH ANTI-BLEACHING ADVOCACY

As the CEO of the Panalove Foundation (an NGO aimed to educate the public on skin bleaching in Africa and the diaspora), She focuses her efforts on solving the urgent problem of skin cancer in Africa, which is linked to the common practice of skin bleaching. By means of broad international outreach programs, particularly those aimed at youth populations, she passionately promotes social reform and increased awareness, working tirelessly to bring about significant change throughout the continent.

“I am concerned about the health of the citizens particularly the youth and that is exactly why I started this initiative” She explained.

The World Health Organization reports 40% of African women actively bleach their skin. What’s surprising is that certain nations have a higher prevalence rate. Nigeria reports 77%, Togo 59%, South Africa 35%, Senegal 27%, and Mali 25% of the population using skin-lightening products. Moreover, it is reported over 80% of the products in the African market contain bleaching agents.

Ghana has approximately 35 million inhabitants but has only 26 certified dermatologists. These statistics result in skin cancer cases in African countries being approximately 5% to 7%, with only a 27% survival rate.

THE MISSION TO CHAMPION SKIN POSITIVITY

In the narrative of Dellasie’s advocacy, she recounted pivotal moments that fueled her advocacy efforts against skin bleaching. One such instance unfolded when she lost a relative at the age of 12.

“Two instances motivated me to come about this initiative. I had a relative who was actively bleaching, and I believe she was diagnosed with melanoma and later passed on. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that disproportionately affects people with black and brown skin. I was only 12 years old when this occurred. It really took a toll on me because I was acutely aware of my identity, my dark skin, and the racism I faced.” She stated.

“Cancer is so pervasive; both my parents are survivors. As a recording artist, I was touring when I returned to Ghana and encountered my late uncle, Kofi Annan. He was a mentor, and I was inspired by him. I felt there was more I could do than entertain and inspire people with my music. I was looking at a bigger picture of making a significant difference in the world. So, I asked him for advice. He told me to go home, think of what makes me upset and to use that energy to fuel my drive for change. And that was precisely what I did! I thought about colorism in the entertainment industry and throughout the world. I thought about the psychological, historical and health implications of this phenomenon. I realized this was a huge contributing factor to skin cancer trends in communities. I was inspired to make a change from then” she narrated.

During the conversation, Dellasie shed light on what she considered the motivation behind skin bleaching.

“Colorism is the form of discrimination based on your skin tone, the closer proximity you have to whiteness the easier you have to navigate through life. The darker your skin, the further you are from whiteness, and the more negative stereotypes you encounter. My life has been deeply touched by various types of cancer, but skin cancer due to bleaching really touched me. I understand first-hand the effects of colorism on one’s psyche and confidence. That was when my anti-bleaching skin cancer initiative was born. I started doing research and I put together a comprehensive proposal. I started getting invited to platforms to speak on this issue such as: the United Nations, Washington University, Georgetown University, Microsoft Headquarters and others” She added

This poignant interaction brought to light a widespread problem which is a lack of self-confidence in one’s natural complexion. This pushes many to take extreme measures like bleaching their skin. In order to stop this, Dellasie wants to encourage people to embrace their own beauty through her advocacy efforts. She continued by listing out some implications that are associated to the bleaching of skin.

“Skin bleaching leads to Skin Cancer and several other diseases. This has been affirmed by doctors. It depresses your immune system, increases blood pressure, it can cause neurological diseases, leads to cancer of kidney, liver, blood, and psoriasis. So, it’s a large range of health diseases when you decide to bleach your skin” she listed

Although skin bleaching causes cancer, the effect from the deteriorating ozone layer can be harmful to our skin. For this reason, Dellasie advises the use of SPF’S to protect our skin.

“Skin Cancer awareness month started so that people who are dealing with this condition can educate others and share their stories. Skin cancer threatens us all because of how deteriorated the ozone layer and the exposure to UV rays. As Africans we do not use the sunscreen and SPF, but it is advisable so that our skin can be protected” she said.

HOW FAR CAN DELLASIE’S VOICE GO?

To raise awareness about skin bleaching, Dellasie Aning engages in community outreach through her NGO, Panalove. The Panalove Foundation is an NGO which was founded in 2016 in Accra, Ghana. Its primary aim is to educate the public on skin diseases and skin cancer in Africa and the diaspora.

Dellasie visits secondary schools and universities to educate students about the dangers of skin bleaching and the need to appreciate their skin tone. Recently, she organized the Panalove Summit, a conference that brought together men and women from diverse sectors to address issues concerning young adults. This advocacy has impacted several leaves and decision concerning one’s skin.

The Panalove foundation intends to organize several tours within Africa to educate on the risks of poor skin health. The W.H.O has affectionately dubbed Dellasie as the “skin-positive global ambassador” — and she wears this name proudly.