The Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN) has called for urgent, inclusive, and sustained action to address the disproportionate burden of skin cancer among persons with Albinism (PWAs) in Nigeria.
National President of AAN, Dr. Bisi Bamishe, made the call on Wednesday in Yenagoa, as the global community commemorates World Cancer Day.
Feb. 4 is set aside to commemorate World Cancer Day to mark the anniversary of the signing of the Charter of Paris Against Cancer. This historic document was signed on Feb. 4, 2000, at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris, France.
The 2026 edition has the theme ”United by Unique” as part of the 2025–2027 global campaign.
According to Bamishe, World Cancer Day is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness, strengthening prevention efforts, promoting early detection, and mobilising collective action against cancer.
“The theme United by Unique recognises that while every cancer experience is different, unity and equity remain central to effective response and care.”
She said for persons with albinism, skin cancer was a daily and life-threatening reality, adding that due to the absence of melanin, their skin was highly sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, placing them at extreme risk of UV-induced skin cancer.
“Skin cancer can affect anyone at any age and on any part of the body, its impact on persons with albinism is particularly severe and often fatal when access to care is delayed.
“Across Nigeria and many other countries, the challenge is not the absence of prevention or early-detection knowledge, but the lack of access.
“Many persons with albinism have never seen a dermatologist, and far too many cases are detected late when treatment becomes more complex, expensive, and less effective.
“This should no longer be the norm.”
“Early detection saves lives, but screening alone is not enough.
“The high cost of skin cancer treatment remains a major barrier. We therefore call on the Federal Government to include free skin cancer treatment for persons with albinism under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) so that no one is denied care because of poverty.” she said.
