The epidemiology of skin cancer and public health strategies for its prevention in southern Africa

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Authors

Wright, Caradee Yael
Du Preez, David Jean
Millar, Danielle A.
Norval, Mary

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

MDPI Publishing

Abstract

Skin cancer is a non-communicable disease that has been underexplored in Africa, including Southern Africa. Exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is an important, potentially modifiable risk factor for skin cancer. The countries which comprise Southern Africa are Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Swaziland. They di er in population size and composition and experience di erent levels of solar UVR. Here, the epidemiology and prevalence of skin cancer in Southern African countries are outlined. Information is provided on skin cancer prevention campaigns in these countries, and evidence sought to support recommendations for skin cancer prevention, especially for people with fair skin, or oculocutaneous albinism or HIV-AIDS who are at the greatest risk. Consideration is given to the possible impacts of climate change on skin cancer in Southern Africa and the need for adaptation and human behavioural change is emphasized.

Description

Table S1: Absence (x) or presence (X) of evidence of online skin cancer prevention campaigns (any focus—could be in relation to albinism) in English by country in Africa. Websites valid as at the 17 December 2019.

Keywords

Climate change, Environmental health, Keratinocyte cancer, Melanoma, Oculocutaneous albinism, Public health, Sun exposure, Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), Ultraviolet radiation (UVR)

Sustainable Development Goals

Citation

Wright, C.Y., Du Preez, D.J., Millar, D.A. et al. 2020, 'The epidemiology of skin cancer and public health strategies for its prevention in southern Africa', International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 17, art. 1017, pp. 1-14.