Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Vitiligo and skin cancer risk across racial/ethnic groups: A retrospective propensity score-matched study on 123,179
Yasmin Nazzal1, Maria Najeeb2, Jason Dagher3
1Department of Medicine (Solna), Division of Dermatology and Venereology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Dermato-Venereology Clinic, Västervik Hospital, Västervik, Sweden.
Introduction:
The association between vitiligo and skin cancer has been previously studied, with most studies reporting either a reduced or no increased risk. However, findings remain inconsistent, and data on potential variation across ethnic groups remain limited.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to investigate the association between vitiligo and the risk of skin cancer, and to explore whether this association varies by race/ethnicity.
Methods:
A large-scale retrospective propensity score-matched study was conducted using real-world data from the TriNetX US Collaborative Network. A total of 123,179 patients with vitiligo were matched to an equal number of comparators. Outcomes were any skin cancer, including malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. Several sensitivity analyses were performed to assess robustness in addition to subgroup analyses.
Results:
The risk of any skin cancer was significantly lower in the vitiligo cohort compared with comparators (HR 0.83, 0.78-0.88, p = 0.002). The risk reduction was most pronounced for any malignant melanoma (HR 0.69, 0.58-0.81, p = 0.003). Exploratory subgroup analyses indicated a possible increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma in Black/African American individuals with vitiligo (HR 2.16, 1.09-4.28, p = 0.024). Sensitivity and control analyses were consistent.
Conclusion:
Vitiligo was associated with a reduced overall risk of skin cancer. However, the association varied by race/ethnicity, with a potentially increased risk observed among Black/African American patients. Further studies in diverse populations are warranted to confirm these findings.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Pigmentation
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Cancer Survival Analysis
Cancer Prevention
Some...