Sodiq Ojuroungbe The Albinism Association of Nigeria has raised the alarm over the growing prevalence of skin cancer within the albinism community, revealing that at least 40 of its members are currently battling various stages of the deadly disease. The association also lamented that 16 of its members died as a result of skin cancer in 2024. The national president of the association, Dr Bisi Bamishe in a statement made available to PUNCH Healthwise on Monday, expressed concern that skin cancer remains a critical health challenge for persons with albinism in Nigeria, with many members enduring immense pain in various hospitals or confined to their homes, suffering in silence and isolation.
According to her, the association lost 16 members to skin cancer last year, and with 40 more currently battling the disease, the situation is dire and requires urgent attention. She added, “As we celebrate this new beginning, it is with a heavy heart that we bring to your attention the plight of some of our members who are battling skin cancer, a devastating disease that continues to ravage our community. Many of our members are enduring immense pain in various hospitals or confined to their homes, suffering in silence and isolation.
“Skin cancer remains a critical health challenge for persons with albinism in Nigeria and without immediate intervention, the situation may spiral out of control. We therefore use this medium to make a heartfelt appeal to the government, fellow Nigerians an.
