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Albinism and skin cancer in Southern Africa
Author(s) -
Kromberg Jennifer G. R.,
Castle David,
Zwane Esther M.,
Jenkins Trefor
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
clinical genetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.543
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1399-0004
pISSN - 0009-9163
DOI - 10.1111/j.1399-0004.1989.tb03365.x
Subject(s) - albinism , cancer , medicine , genetics , biology , dermatology
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.