FAQDoes vitiligo increase the risk of skin cancer?

FAQ

No, it does not. Despite common misconceptions, people with vitiligo are actually at a lower risk of developing skin cancer, including both nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and malignant melanoma (MM), than the general population. Multiple studies support this, showing a paradoxically lower incidence of skin cancer among those with vitiligo.

For instance, a large study from the United Kingdom involving over 15,000 individuals with vitiligo found they had a 38% decreased risk of developing skin cancer compared to those without the condition.

Despite these findings, many with vitiligo still believe they are at higher risk. This misconception has led to vigilant sun protective behaviors, with vitiligo patients often using high-SPF sunscreen more frequently than the general population, wearing clothing with SPF and avoiding peak sun exposure. 

Moreover, concerns about UVB phototherapy treatments increasing skin cancer risk are also unfounded. Research, including long-term studies and meta-analyses, has shown that treatments like NB UVB phototherapy are safe and do not increase the risk of skin cancer in vitiligo patients, regardless of how many sessions they undergo.

 

Suggested readingVitiligo May Reduce Risk of Internal Cancer

 

References: 

  • Ferguson J, Eleftheriadou V, Nesnas J (2023) Risk of Melanoma and Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer in People with Vitiligo: United Kingdom Population-Based Cohort Study. J Invest Dermatol 143(11):2204–2210. 10.1016/j.jid.2023.04.013
  • Wu YH, Chou CL, Chang HC (2022) Risk of skin cancer after ultraviolet phototherapy in patients with vitiligo: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Exp Dermatol Apr 47(4):692–699. 10.1111/ced.15010