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Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Studies · Review
Journal of Surgery Research and Practice · August 10, 2026
Reinforces what was already believed, rather than introducing something new.
This PRISMA-structured narrative review confirms that squamous cell carcinoma is the predominant skin malignancy in individuals with oculocutaneous albinism in sub-Saharan Africa, with a pooled prevalence of 64%, occurring at younger ages and in sun-exposed sites compared to predominantly Caucasian populations. The review identifies delayed diagnosis, limited healthcare access, and inadequate photoprotection as key contributors to disease burden, and emphasizes prevention and early intervention as priorities.
PRISMA-structured narrative review. Published studies investigating skin cancer in individuals with oculocutaneous albinism in sub-Saharan Africa. Sub-Saharan Africa (regional scope of included studies not individually itemized).
Pooled prevalence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is 64% among histologically confirmed malignant skin lesions in individuals with albinism in sub-Saharan Africa Pooled prevalence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is 31% among histologically confirmed malignant skin lesions Tumors occur predominantly on chronically sun-exposed areas, particularly the head and neck, and develop at significantly younger age than in predominantly Caucasian populations
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Clinicians and public health practitioners in sub-Saharan Africa should prioritize early dermatological screening, photoprotection counseling, and timely access to surgical treatment in albinism populations. Healthcare systems should expand specialized dermatological and oncological services to reduce preventable morbidity and mortality in this high-risk group.
A PRISMA-structured narrative review synthesizing observational evidence on skin cancer epidemiology in albinism in sub-Saharan Africa, confirming established patterns of high SCC prevalence and early-onset disease in a high-risk population.
As stated by the source record.
Quoted from the source exactly as published.
Clinicians and public health practitioners in sub-Saharan Africa should prioritize early dermatological screening, photoprotection counseling, and timely access to surgical treatment in albinism populations. Healthcare systems should expand specialized dermatological and oncological services to reduce preventable morbidity and mortality in this high-risk group.
Graded across the dimensions that decide whether you should act, each from what the source actually supports. There is no single score, and where a dimension was not assessed it says so.
Introduction: Oculocutaneous Albinism (OCA) is an inherited genetic disorder characterized by reduced or absent melanin production. In sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence of OCA is substantially higher than in most other regions of the world. Melanin deficiency markedly increases susceptibility to the carcinogenic effects of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, resulting in an exceptionally high burden of skin cancer. Objectives: To critically review the available literature on the epidemiology, clinicopathological characteristics, risk factors, prevention and management of skin cancer in individuals with oculocutaneous albinism in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: A structured narrative review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Observational studies, retrospective and cross-sectional studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and clinical case series published in English were identified through a comprehensive search of the PubMed/MEDLINE and Europe PMC databases. Studies investigating skin cancer in individuals with oculocutaneous albinism in sub-Saharan Africa were included. Results: Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the predominant cutaneous malignancy among individuals with albinism in sub-Saharan Africa. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis reported a pooled prevalence of 64% for SCC and 31% for Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) among histologically confirmed malignant skin lesions. Tumors occur predominantly on chronically sun-exposed areas, particularly the head and neck and develop at a significantly younger age than in predominantly Caucasian populations. Delayed diagnosis, limited access to specialized healthcare services and inadequate photoprotection substantially contribute to the high disease burden. Conclusion: Skin cancer remains one of the leading causes of preventable morbidity and mortality among individuals with oculocutaneous albinism in sub-Saharan Africa. Comprehensive prevention strategies-including effective photoprotection, health education, regular dermatological screening and timely access to surgical treatment-are essential to reduce disease burden and improve clinical outcomes. Strengthening healthcare systems and expanding access to specialized dermatological and oncological services should be considered public health priorities throughout the region.
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