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Exposure to Sunlight
The main cause of most BCCs is long-term exposure to sunlight (or the UV radiation from sun-beds). For this reason, it occurs most often in outdoor workers and in fair-skinned people.
Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun (or from sun beds) damages DNA, the stuff that holds the genetic code in body cells. Damage to DNA can cause normal cells to mutate and become cancerous.
Age
It is more common in men and in people over 50 years old, but the number of cases is increasing in people of all ages.
You may also have an increased risk of BCC because:
- You are fair-skinned, have freckles or have red or blonde hair (because you have less natural protection from sunlight)
- You have had BCC previously
- You have a family history of Gorlin’s syndrome (basal cell naevus syndrome). Apart from this rare condition, BCCs are not hereditary.
- You have had an organ transplant – although other types of skin cancer are more likely.
- You are immunosuppressed
- You have worked with tar or mineral oils
- You have had a previous course of radiotherapy e.g. for ankylosing spondylitis. This is rare, and it usually occurs at least 20 years after the treatment.
- You have taken something containing arsenic (many years ago some ‘tonics’ contained arsenic, and some older people may have taken one in childhood).
- Burns, scars or ulcers have damaged your skin. This is rare and it usually occurs at least 20 years after the damage. Most people with these risk factors will not get BCC. If you have worries, please discuss them with your GP.
- You can not catch BCC from contact with someone who has it.
