Risk Factors
The primary risk factor for BCC is recreational sun exposure (Rubin et al., 2005). Many secondary factors are due to their relationship with UV rays.
For more details on the major risk factors and their connection with UV exposure, see below.
For more details on the major risk factors and their connection with UV exposure, see below.
- UV Exposure, including sun exposure and use of tanning beds and lamps, is one of the most significant risk factors for the development of BCC. UV exposure damages DNA and your body's immune system and ability to repair damage (Situm et al., 2008). This risk can be mitigated by adequately protecting yourself from UV rays i.e. through the use of hats, clothing ,and the application of sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure.
- A previous case of a skin cancer increases the susceptibility to subsequent diagnoses (Rubin et al., 2005). The radiation often used to treat BCC or other skin cancers (or radiation received for any other condition) also increases the risk of developing BCC (Rubin et al., 2005; Situm et al., 2008).
- The lack of melanin pigment in those with light skin and eyes increases the risk of BCC as it makes you more sensitive to UV rays (Rubin et al., 2005).
- Age and incidence of BCC are directly correlated, related to amount of recreational sun exposure prior to 20 years of age (Rubin et al., 2005). Typically it takes 20-50 years for the UV exposure to develop into BCC (Situm et al., 2008). Additionally, men are more likely to be diagnosed, which is thought to be due to women's higher likelihood of a rigid skin care routine (Pellegrini et al., 2017).
Other risk factors include:
- Conditions related to impaired skin such as open sores that resist healing from infection, scars, or burns and skin conditions that cause chronic inflammation (Skin Cancer Foundation, 2019).
- Workplace hazards (ex. arsenic exposure) can expose you to carcinogens. Arsenic exposure affects the way that genes express themselves. Initial exposure can look like a raindrop pattern of discoloration, or thickening of the skin in patches, usually at your hands and feet (Martinez, Vucic, Becker-Santos, Gil, & Lam, 2011). These lesions would be more likely in areas that are hidden from the sun.
- Genetics such as a mutation on the gene that suppresses tumors (Rubin et al., 2005).
Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to any of these factors.