Skin Cancer Prevention

Reducing sun exposure even in the intense Tanzanian sun.

Those with albinism also face a deadly enemy in the hot equatorial sun. Because people with albinism lack melanin, their skin is completely defenseless against dangerous UV rays. Most Tanzanians think sunburn, wounds, and skin cancer are an unavoidable characteristic of albinism itself, so children continue to play outdoors through the hottest part of the day. In addition, 90% of adults work outdoors as subsistence farmers. Even for people who recognize the danger of the sun, dire poverty means there is little money for going to a doctor, and it is nearly impossible to buy wide-brimmed hats, protective clothing or sunscreens. With proper care, people with albinism can live as long as anyone else. But in Tanzania, more than 80% die before their 30th birthdays, and less than 2% survive past 40 due to misunderstanding and poverty.