World Forum on Skin Cancer Prevention and Management in Persons with albinism

The first World Forum on Skin Cancer in Persons with Albinism will be held in Cape Town, South Africa, on 27–28 October 2025. This landmark event marks a historic step in the global response to one of the most urgent health challenges faced by persons with albinism (PWAs).

Organized by the Global Albinism Alliance (GAA) in partnership with the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) and Standing Voice (SV), and supported by the Pierre Fabre Foundation, the Forum will bring together leading dermatologists, researchers, public health experts, patient advocates, and representatives from international organizations. By creating a unique space for collaboration, the meeting will allow participants to exchange expertise, share innovations, and define practical pathways to strengthen prevention and management of skin cancer in PWAs.

Skin cancer remains the leading cause of premature death for persons with albinism in tropical regions. In sub-Saharan Africa in particular, many individuals die in their 30s and 40s from skin cancers that are both preventable and treatable. Access to affordable, high-quality sunscreen, regular skin checks, protective clothing, and timely medical interventions could transform survival rates — yet these resources remain inaccessible to most PWAs living in low- and middle-income countries.

The Forum will focus on addressing this inequity by developing a global prioritized action plan. Sessions will include reviews of the current evidence base, discussion of research gaps, and presentations of successful prevention and care programs from different regions of the world. Special emphasis will be placed on sustainable solutions: how to ensure long-term access to sunscreen and dermatological care, how to integrate skin cancer services into primary healthcare, and how to mobilize international stakeholders, from governments to NGOs and the private sector.

By uniting expertise across disciplines and regions, the Forum aims not only to raise awareness but also to catalyze tangible, coordinated action. The ultimate goal is to reduce the devastating toll of skin cancer on the lives of PWAs, and to ensure that no person dies prematurely from a disease that can be prevented and effectively managed.

27–28 October 2025, Cape Town, South Africa