Cases and Conditions / Albinos & Cancer

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Amekoudi, aged 26, is one of Africa's albinos devastated by skin cancer. Lacking natural protection, albinos are prone to skin cancer that spreads quickly elsewhere in the body. In November 2002 his cancerous ear and left cheek were excised to the bone and the wound covered by a skin flap (right & below).

In 2004 the IRPS brought him from his home in Togo where no treatment is available to the Accra plastic surgery unit again. New cancers had developed in many sites (below) but fortunately, these were excised before spread occurred. He will never be free of cancer and needs to visit us every year for surgery.

Life is harsh for millions of Africans who are albinos. Throughout their lives they suffer prejudice, ridicule, social exclusion and isolation. Very few find a place in school. Very few find work. Very few find a place in society or marriage.

Superstition surrounds their yellow hair, white skin and pink eyes. In the Shona language albinos are termed “sope” meaning something magical inhabited by powerful evil spirits. In the past many newborn albino babies were killed at birth. This practice still continues in some rural areas.

Albinos are one of the most vulnerable groups in the world to suffer skin cancer which is their biggest killer. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. Even so, if it is diagnosed while it is still thin and limited to the outermost skin layer there is a good chance it can be cured. Once the cancer develops it metastasises (spreads to other parts of the body), is difficult to treat and is deadly. Unfortunately, it is usually at this stage that its victims usually seek help.

In many African countries albinos and their supporters are helping to raise awareness that albinism is not a curse but a medical condition that can be managed.

The priority is education:

• to help remove the myths and social stigma that surrounds albinos and their condition
• on how best to look after albino children, particularly sheltering them from the direct rays of the sun
• in recognising the signs of occurrence and development of skin cancer