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What You Need to Know About Basal Cell Carcinoma
By: Fayne Frey, MD
Basal cell carcinoma is the commonest skin cancer. When caught early, there are a number of treatment options that have very good outcomes.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is not only the most common of all skin cancers, but it is also the most common all cancers of any type. About 8 out of 10 skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas. In the United States alone, over 4 million cases will be diagnosed each year.
Risk factors for basal cell carcinoma
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and tanning beds is the most significant risk factor for BCC. However, other environmental and genetic factors also contribute to the development of basal cell carcinoma.
The risk of the sun’s ultraviolet rays is directly tied to the person’s sun exposure habits. It is also related to their personal susceptibility to the harmful radiation.
Studies show that intense, intermittent sun exposure increases the risk of BCC compared to a similar radiation exposure that is delivered continuously over the same period of time.
Individuals with fair skin, light-colored eyes, freckling, red hair, and a history of past sunburns all increase the chances of BCC development.
