The Initiative for Advancement of the Albinism Cause (INAAC), an NGO, is soliciting for free skin cancer treatment
for Persons with Albinism (PWA) in Nigeria.
The Founder of the group, Miss Joy Odigie, made the request in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin on Monday.
Odigie, who lamented “the increasing rate of skin cancer among PWAs, especially in rural communities”, said “studies have shown that majority of people between the ages 30 and 40 with albinism in sub Saharan Africa die from skin cancer.
“Albinism is a risk for skin cancer development in the tropics and skin cancers generally develop at body sites exposed to ultraviolet radiation.
“The head, face and neck of these persons are mainly affected by cancers as a result of direct exposure to the UVA and UVB rays of the sun.
“Researches have shown that the hot weather conditions and farming activities of PWAs engaged in rural communities, increase the incidence of skin cancers on their bodies.
“These persons delay to seek medical care for skin cancer due to poverty, illiteracy and social discrimination.”
She said that improved awareness and early management of skin cancers would increase the survival rate of PWA.
She noted that “two people with albinism, Miss Rosemary Igbuan; 23 years old and Mrs Christy Edeme; 39 years, are currently battling with skin cancer at University of Benin Teaching Hospital in Edo.
“They are appealing to well-meaning Nigerians and the government to foot their medical bills because they have exhausted all they have.”
She, however, called for increased awareness among people with albinism on the need to do indoor jobs, apply sunscreen lotion and wear protective cloths to shield themselves from the sun.
Odigie said INAAC was founded in 2022 to promote better living conditions for indigent Persons with Albinism in the society through access to eye and skin care, education and empowerment. (NAN)
