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)—compared to the general population.

The Evidence

Multiple studies confirm this paradoxical finding. For example, a large study conducted in the United Kingdom with over 15,000 vitiligo patients found a 38% reduced risk of skin cancer among those with the condition compared to individuals without vitiligo.

Why the Misconception?

Many people with vitiligo mistakenly believe they are at higher risk of skin cancer, likely due to their heightened sensitivity to sunburn in depigmented areas. This belief has led to more vigilant sun protection behaviors, such as:

  • Frequent use of high-SPF sunscreen
  • Wearing SPF-protective clothing
  • Avoiding peak sun exposure

UVB Phototherapy Safety

Concerns about UVB phototherapy increasing skin cancer risk are also unfounded. Research, including long-term studies and meta-analyses, has consistently shown that NB-UVB phototherapy is safe for vitiligo patients, even after numerous sessions.

In conclusion, while people with vitiligo should still practice sun safety to avoid sunburn, they can rest assured that their condition does not elevate their risk of skin cancer. In fact, they enjoy a statistically lower risk than the general population.

Suggested reading

 

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

 

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