Risk Factors
Chronic exposure to sunlight especially in fair-skinned individuals is the major risk factor for the development of basal cell cancer.
The following are risk factors for the development of basal cell cancer or basal cell carcinoma:
- Chronic sunlight exposure: Chronic exposure to ultraviolet sunrays is the most important factor in the development of basal cell cancer. People living near the equator are at a particular risk. Ultraviolet rays from tanning booths could also predispose to the development of basal cell cancer.
- Fair individuals: Basal cell cancer occurs most often in white-skinned individuals.
- Age: Basal cell cancer affects middle aged and elderly people between the ages of 40 and 80 years.
- Male gender: Men are more commonly affected than women.
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- Exposure to chemicals: Exposure to chemicals like arsenical compounds, coal tar and aromatic hydrocarbons.
- Radiation: radiation predisposes the person to basal cell cancer. It occurs may thus occur on the hands of a radiographer.
- Previous skin lesions: Basal cell cancer can develop on previous scars, vaccination points, previous trauma and even tattoos.
