Launch of new website for IARC Albinism Research Network

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and partner institutions have launched a new website for the IARC Albinism Research Network. IARC scientists initiated this network with researchers and institutions across the African continent to conduct research to reduce the burden of skin cancer in persons with albinism, with a major but not exclusive focus on the African setting.

The website provides details about the partner organizations and researchers in the network, as well as about the project itself. It provides information about the multiple research areas, including basic biology and epidemiology, for primary prevention and secondary and tertiary prevention of skin cancer among persons with albinism in Africa.

The project is structured around four Work Packages: (1) Determinants of skin cancer risk and strategies for skin cancer risk reduction in persons with albinism; (2) Clinical epidemiology: determinants of survival and survivorship among persons with albinism with skin cancer; (3) Policy review and analyses; and (4) Research network.

Skin cancer is a leading cause of death in persons with albinism. In sub-Saharan Africa, where exposure to ultraviolet radiation is high, the skin cancer risks among persons with albinism are heightened. This is also the region where the prevalence of albinism is the highest worldwide; it affects more than 1 in 4000 people in some countries.

Visit the website of the IARC Albinism Research Network