Risk Factors

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) develops in the basal cell layer of the epidermis and, like most skin cancers, is caused by long-term or excessive exposure to the sun.¹Consequently, BCC is most often found on the head and neck, and other sun exposed areas.²

While the majority of people with BCC are fair skinned or have skin that does not tan very easily, anyone can be at risk.¹ Individuals who develop BCC are at a greater risk of developing further BCCs:2 research suggests the risk is up to 15 times greater than the average risk of developing skin cancer.3 Individuals with a melanoma have a three to five times higher than average risk of developing a non-melanoma skin cancer.3 BCC also presents more often in men than women.4Other risk factors include:^2,5

• A genetic predisposition
• Sun exposure as a child
• Increasing age
• UV radiation (UVR)
• Immunosuppression
• A high dietary fat intake