Oculocutaneous albinism in Cameroon. A 15-year follow-up study.

Oculocutaneous albinism in Cameroon was studied from 1972 to 1987. Two hundred and seventy-three albinos (160 males and 113 females) were registered. The sex ratio of 1.42 (male/female) was significantly different from unity but this apparent discrepancy may be explained by social and geographical reasons. The highest prevalence occurred in the Bamileke group (190/273 albinos, i.e., 70%) for which the rate was 1 in 7,900, using an estimate of 1,500,000 Bamileke people. The high frequency of the albino gene was thought to result from a greater inbreeding tendency, to the special organization of the Bamileke society in mini-states or kingdoms and to a founder effect in the case of Balengou kingdom. The death of albinos was mainly due to skin cancer induced by solar radiation during the second, third or fourth decade. Cameroon, located from 2 degrees to 12 degrees above the equator, is sunny throughout the year. Registering all albinos early in life, educating them to prevent the damaging effect of the sun (protective clothing, sun-screening agents and indoor occupations), detecting and treating premalignant and malignant lesions are of great importance in this country.