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Skin Cancer: Latest Developments in the Prevention, Detection, and Treatment Runtime: 81 minutes |
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Risk factors for developing basal cell carcinoma include:
Overexposure to UV Radiation
Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the single most important cause of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma.
UV radiation comes from invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. Two kinds of UV radiation are UVA and UVB radiation. According to the National Cancer Institute, UVA radiation may cause skin damage that can lead to skin cancer or premature aging. UVB radiation causes sunburn, and scientists believe these rays cause most skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma.
Basal cell carcinoma is more likely to occur in people who have been exposed to intermittent bursts of UV radiation (UVB radiation, in particular), especially when the exposure results in sunburn and blistering. People who work outdoors, spend a lot of time at the beach, or regularly participate in outdoor sports have a greater risk of developing skin cancer. Sun lamps and tanning beds are another source of exposure to harmful UV rays and should be avoided.
Fair Skin
People with fair skin -- especially those with blond or red hair and blue or light-colored eyes -- are more likely to develop skin cancer because their skin contains less of the pigment melanin, which provides a degree of natural protection from the sun. People with dark skin, however, can develop basal cell carcinoma.
Personal History of Skin Cancer
People who have had skin cancer once are more likely to develop skin cancer again. As many as half of patients diagnosed with one basal cell carcinoma will develop another skin cancer within five years.
Exposure to Industrial Compounds
Other, less common risk factors for basal cell carcinoma include repeated exposure to radiation and exposure to coal tar, arsenic, and other industrial compounds.
