The Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN) has called for urgent and sustained action to address the burden of skin cancer among its members.
The group made the call on Wednesday on the occasion of the commemoration of World Cancer Day.
February 4 is set aside every year 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 February 4, 2000, at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris, France.
The 2026 edition has the theme: “United by Unique” (part of the 2025–2027 global campaign.
According to the National President of Albinism Association, Dr. Bisi Bamishe, World Cancer Day is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness, strengthening prevention efforts, promoting early detection, and mobilising collective action against cancer.
She noted that 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 radiation, placing them at extreme risk of ultraviolet-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,” Bamishe said.
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The AAN national president, however, acknowledged and commended ongoing government efforts, particularly the planned inauguration of free skin cancer screening centres for persons with albinism.
She noted that early detection was a critical step toward reducing cancer-related deaths within the community and emphasised that screening without access to treatment was inadequate.
“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.
She further urged that as part of a comprehensive prevention strategy, the federal and state governments should institutionalise the provision of free ultraviolet-protective umbrellas, sunscreen, and wide-brimmed hats for persons with albinism.
“These are not luxury items. They are basic survival tools that protect lives and reduce long-term health risks for persons with albinism,” she said.
Bamishe also called on government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, the media, and members of the public to stand in solidarity with persons affected by cancer.
She urged them to support research, advocate for inclusive and accessible healthcare, and strengthen policies that protect vulnerable populations.
“Together, we can build a world where cancer is preventable, manageable, and curable, and where persons with albinism are no longer left behind,” she added.
