Albinism and skin cancer in Southern Africa.

Kromberg, J G; Castle, D; Zwane, E M; Jenkins, T

Kromberg, J G; Castle, D; Zwane, E M; Jenkins, T.

Affiliation

Kromberg JG; Department of Human Genetics, School of Pathology, South African Institute for Medical Research.

Clin Genet ; 36(1): 43-52, 1989 Jul.

Article in En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-2766562

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT

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.

Subject(s)

Albinism/complications; Black People; Skin Neoplasms/complications; Age Factors; Albinism/ethnology; Carcinoma, Basal Cell/complications; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/complications; Female; Humans; Male; Melanosis/complications; Risk Factors; Skin Pigmentation/radiation effects; South Africa; Ultraviolet Rays/adverse effects

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Collection: 01-internacional Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Skin Neoplasms / Albinism / Black People Type of study: Etiology_studies / Prognostic_studies / Risk_factors_studies Limits: Female / Humans / Male Country/Region as subject: Africa Language: En Journal: Clin Genet Year: 1989 Document type: Article

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