The Most Common Skin Cancer

Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are abnormal, uncontrolled growths or lesions that arise in the skin’s basal cells, which line the deepest layer of the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin). BCCs often look like open sores, red patches, pink growths, shiny bumps, or scars. BCC is usually caused by a combination of cumulative UV exposure and intense, occasional UV exposure, and can be highly disfiguring if allowed to grow. In some rare cases, BCCs can multiply more rapidly and spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, becoming deadly.

Basal cell carcinoma affects up to two million Americans each year. In fact, it is the most common of all cancers. More than one out of every three new cancers are skin cancers, and the vast majority are BCCs. It shouldn’t be taken lightly: this skin cancer can be disfiguring if not treated promptly. Are you at risk? We have the information you need about the prevention, detection, and treatment of basal cell carcinoma.