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. 2020 Feb 6;17(3):1017.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph17031017.

The Epidemiology of Skin Cancer and Public Health Strategies for Its Prevention in Southern Africa

Caradee Y Wright  1   2 , D Jean du Preez  2   3 , Danielle A Millar  1 , Mary Norval  4
Affiliations

The Epidemiology of Skin Cancer and Public Health Strategies for Its Prevention in Southern Africa

Caradee Y Wright et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

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 differ in population size and composition and experience different 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.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS; climate change; environmental health; keratinocyte cancer; melanoma; oculocutaneous albinism; public health; sun exposure.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Map of Southern Africa.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Solar-noon UV Index values for (a) summer and (b) winter in Southern Africa.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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