Albinism and skin cancer in Southern Africa.
The presence of skin cancer was investigated in 111 albinos belonging to the black (Negro) population of Johannesburg, South Africa. The overall rate was 23.4%, the risk increasing with age. Identifiable risk factors included: environmental exposure to ultraviolet radiation; inability to produce ephelides ('freckles'); and possibly ethnicity. The head was the site most commonly affected, and squamous was far more common than basal cell carcinoma. No melanomas were detected. Recommendations are made regarding prevention of skin cancer in the at-risk group.
Department of Human Genetics, School of Pathology, South African Institute for Medical Research.
J G
JG
Kromberg
D
D
Castle
E M
EM
Zwane
T
T
Jenkins
D000367:Age Factors; D000417:Albinism / Q000150:complications* / Q000208:ethnology; D044383:Black People; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000150:complications; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008548:Melanosis / Q000150:complications; D012307:Risk Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000528:radiation effects; D013019:South Africa; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects