--- description: Understand what causes basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and what increases your skin cancer risk to help you protect yourself. title: Basal Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors image: https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/regeneron.jpg --- [Home](https://www.skincancer.org/) › [Skin Cancer Information](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/) › [Basal Cell Carcinoma](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/) › Basal Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors Translation: [](//skincancer.org/international/le-carcinome-basocellulaire/#risk) [](//skincancer.org/international/basalzellkarzinom/#risk) [](//skincancer.org/international/il-carcinoma-basocellulare/#risk) [](//skincancer.org/international/carcinoma-basocelular/) [En Espanol](https://www.skincancer.org/international/el-carcinoma-basocelular-carcinoma-de-celulas-basales/#risk) # Basal Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors ## The Risks. The Causes. What You Can Do. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is caused by damage and subsequent DNA changes to the basal cells in the outermost layer of skin. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and indoor tanning is the major cause of BCCs and most skin cancers. Understanding what causes BCC and the factors that increase your risk of getting it can help you prevent the disease or detect it in its earliest stages, when it’s easiest to treat. These factors increase your BCC risk: * [UV exposure from the sun or indoor tanning.](#uv) * [History of skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or melanoma.](#history) * [Age over 50: Most BCCs appear in people over age 50.](#age) * [Light skin: People with lighter skin have an increased risk.](#fair) * [Male gender: Men are more likely to develop BCC.](#male) * [Chronic infections and skin inflammation from burns, scars and other conditions.](#chronic) * [What causes basal cell carcinoma](#causes) * [What you can do](#do) [Overview ](http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/ "Basal Cell Carcinoma") [Warning Signs ](http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/bcc-warning-signs-images/ "Basal Cell Carcinoma Warning Signs") [Treatment ](http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/bcc-treatment-options/ "Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment") ### What causes basal cell carcinoma? #### UV exposure Almost all BCCs occur on parts of the body excessively exposed to the sun. Occasional extended, intense sun exposure that leads to sunburn and cumulative sun exposure over your lifetime are the main causes of skin damage that can lead to BCCs. The more time you spend in the sun, from beach vacations to walking the dog, the greater your likelihood of developing BCC. If your occupation requires long hours outdoors or if you spend your leisure time in the sun, your risk increases even more. ##### It’s a fact 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers (mainly BCCs and SCCs) are associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun. ![]() Fortunately, UV exposure is a controllable risk factor. #### Indoor tanning Tanning beds emit UV radiation that is dangerous and raises your risk of developing BCC. * More than 419,000 cases of skin cancer in the U.S. each year are linked to indoor tanning, including about 245,000 BCCs. * People who have ever tanned indoors have a 29 percent increased risk of developing BCC. * Any history of indoor tanning increases your risk of developing BCC before age 40 by 69 percent. #### Skin cancer history If you’ve already had a BCC, you are at risk for developing others over the years, either in the same area or elsewhere on the body. You are also at increased risk of developing other forms of skin cancer, including [squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)](http://skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma/) and [melanoma](http://skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/). #### Age over 50 As you age, you accumulate sun exposure and sun damage, raising your risk of developing BCC. In the past few decades, the number of new BCC cases has increased sharply and the average patient age has steadily decreased. Today, dermatologists report that more 20- and 30-year-olds are being treated for BCCs, a trend that experts attribute to increased outdoor UV exposure and indoor tanning. #### Light skin All people with a history of sun exposure or indoor tanning can develop BCC. However, people with a light [skin type](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/skin-type/), blond or red hair, blue, green or grey eyes, or skin that freckles or easily burns are at highest risk. The threat of skin cancer still exists for people with darker skin tones, and their need for sun safety is also absolutely essential. If you don’t know your skin type, [take the quiz](http://www.skincancer.org/blog/are-you-at-risk-for-skin-cancer/). #### Gender Men with BCC continue to outnumber women with the disease, but more women are now getting BCCs than in the past. #### Skin injuries, inflammation or infection On rare occasions, BCCs develop on areas unexposed to UV radiation. In very rare cases, exposure to other forms of radiation or certain chemicals, chronic inflammatory skin conditions and complications of burns, scars or infections can be contributing factors. ### What you can do **Check your skin monthly:** Perform thorough [self-exams](http://skincancer.org/early-detection/self-exams/) and visit your dermatologist regularly for professional skin exams. **Protect against UV rays:** You can reduce your risk of getting BCC and other forms of skin cancer by taking simple, smart [protective measures](http://skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/). _**Reviewed by**:_ _Julie K. Karen, MD_ _Ronald L. Moy, MD_ This section is made possible with support from [](https://www.regeneron.com/) [ ](https://www.sanofi.com/) Last updated: April 2026 [ Make a Donation ](https://give.skincancer.org/SCFDonate) * [Prevention▼](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/) * [Skin Cancer Prevention](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/) * [Recommended Products](https://www.skincancer.org/recommended-products/) * [Sun Protection▼](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/) * [Sunscreen](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/) * [Eye Protection](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/eye-protection/) * [Sun Protective Clothing](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sun-protective-clothing/) * [UV Window Film & Tint](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/uv-window-film/) * [Vitamin D](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/vitamin-d/) * [Seal of Recommendation](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/seal-of-recommendation-archived/) * [Skin Cancer Information▼](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/) * [Skin Cancer Information](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/) * [Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/) * [Newly Diagnosed with Skin Cancer](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/newly-diagnosed-with-skin-cancer/) * [Skin Cancer Pictures | What Does Skin Cancer Look Like?](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-pictures/) * [Skin Cancer in Skin of Color](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-skin-of-color/) * [Actinic Keratosis▼](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/actinic-keratosis/) * [Actinic Keratosis Risk Factors](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/actinic-keratosis/causes-and-risk-factors/) * [Actinic Keratosis Warning Signs and Images](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/actinic-keratosis/actinic-keratosis-warning-signs-and-images/) * [Actinic Keratosis Treatment](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/actinic-keratosis/actinic-keratosis-treatment-options/) * [Basal Cell Carcinoma▼](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/) * [Basal Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/bcc-causes-and-risk-factors/) * [Basal Cell Carcinoma Warning Signs and Images](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/bcc-warning-signs-images/) * [Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/bcc-treatment-options/) * [Melanoma▼](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/) * [Melanoma Risk Factors](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/melanoma-causes-and-risk-factors/) * [Melanoma Warning Signs and Images](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/melanoma-warning-signs-and-images/) * [Melanoma Stages](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/the-stages-of-melanoma/) * [Melanoma Treatment](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/melanoma-treatments/) * [Merkel Cell Carcinoma▼](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/merkel-cell-carcinoma/) * [Merkel Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/merkel-cell-carcinoma/mcc-risk-factors/) * [Merkel Cell Carcinoma Warning Signs and Images](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/merkel-cell-carcinoma/mcc-warning-signs/) * [Merkel Cell Carcinoma Stages](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/merkel-cell-carcinoma/mcc-stages/) * [Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/merkel-cell-carcinoma/mcc-treatment/) * [Merkel Cell Carcinoma Patient Support Center](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/merkel-cell-carcinoma/mcc-patient-support/) * [Squamous Cell Carcinoma▼](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma/) * [Squamous Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma/scc-causes-and-risk-factors/) * [Squamous Cell Carcinoma Warning Signs and Images](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma/scc-warning-signs-and-images/) * [Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma/scc-treatment-options/) * [Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma/advanced-scc/) * [Rare Skin Cancers](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/rare-skin-cancers/) * [Risk Factors▼](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/) * [Skin Cancer Myths & Misinformation](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/skin-cancer-myths-misinformation/) * [Working Outdoors](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/working-outdoors/) * [Risk Factors](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/) * [Tanning](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/tanning/) * [Sunburn](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/sunburn/) * [Atypical Moles](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/atypical-moles/) * [UV Radiation](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/uv-radiation/) * [Photosensitivity](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/photosensitivity/) * [Skin Type](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/skin-type/) * [Early Detection▼](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/) * [Early Detection](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/) * [Self-Exams](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/self-exams/) * [Annual Exams](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/annual-exams/) * [Find a Dermatologist](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/find-a-dermatologist/) * [Destination Healthy Skin▼](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/destination-healthy-skin/) * [Schedule](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/destination-healthy-skin/schedule/) * [Physician Volunteers](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/destination-healthy-skin/physician-volunteers/) * [The Big See](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/the-big-see/) * [Treatment & Resources▼](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/) * [Treatment & Resources](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/) * [Mohs Surgery](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/mohs-surgery/) * [Skin Cancer Treatment Glossary](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/treatment-glossary/) * [Find a Dermatologist](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/find-a-dermatologist/) * [Support Resources▼](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/support-resources/) * [Robins Nest](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/support-resources/robins-nest/) * [COVID-19 and You](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/support-resources/robins-nest/covid-19-and-you/) * [Blog](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-foundation-blog/) * [Get Involved▼](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/) * [Get Involved](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/donate/) * [Your Donation at Work](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/your-donation-at-work/) * [Connect With Us](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/connect-with-us/) * [Sign Up for Newsletter](https://www.skincancer.org/newsletter-sign-up/) * [SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/safe-sunscreen-standards-act/) * [Petition Update](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/sign-the-petition/) * [Skin Cancer Awareness Toolkit](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/skin-cancer-awareness-month/toolkit/) * [Skin Cancer Awareness Month](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/skin-cancer-awareness-month/) * [Share Your Story](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/share-your-story/) * [Create a Fundraiser](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/become-a-champion/) * [Champions for Change Gala](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/gala/) * [For Medical Providers](https://provider.skincancer.org/) * [About Us▼](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/) * [About Us](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/) * [Who We Are](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/who-we-are/) * [What We Do](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/what-we-do/) * [Web Store](https://store.skincancer.org/) * [Research Grants](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/research-grants/) * [Press Room](https://www.skincancer.org/media-and-press/) * [Publications](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/publications/) * [Corporate Council](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/who-we-are/corporate-council/) * [Education Programs](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/education-programs/) * [Contact Us](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/contact-us/) [Find a Dermatologist](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/find-a-dermatologist/) [Recommended Products](https://www.skincancer.org/recommended-products/) ```json {"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/basal-cell-carcinoma\/bcc-causes-and-risk-factors\/","url":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/basal-cell-carcinoma\/bcc-causes-and-risk-factors\/","name":"Basal Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors - The Skin Cancer Foundation","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/basal-cell-carcinoma\/bcc-causes-and-risk-factors\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/basal-cell-carcinoma\/bcc-causes-and-risk-factors\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/regeneron.jpg","datePublished":"2019-06-06T17:33:51+00:00","dateModified":"2026-04-08T12:24:01+00:00","description":"Understand what causes basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and what increases your skin cancer risk to help you protect yourself.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/basal-cell-carcinoma\/bcc-causes-and-risk-factors\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/basal-cell-carcinoma\/bcc-causes-and-risk-factors\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/basal-cell-carcinoma\/bcc-causes-and-risk-factors\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/regeneron.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/regeneron.jpg","width":908,"height":188,"caption":"Regeneron"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/basal-cell-carcinoma\/bcc-causes-and-risk-factors\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Skin Cancer Information","item":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Basal Cell Carcinoma","item":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/basal-cell-carcinoma\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Basal Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/","name":"The Skin Cancer Foundation","description":"Education, prevention, early detection, and treatment of skin cancer","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/#organization","name":"The Skin Cancer Foundation","url":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/SCF-Logo-2025-4C.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/SCF-Logo-2025-4C.png","width":1199,"height":1254,"caption":"The Skin Cancer Foundation"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/skincancerfoundation","https:\/\/x.com\/skincancerorg","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/skincancerorg\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/the-skin-cancer-foundation\/","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/skincancer\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/SkinCancerFoundation","https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Skin_Cancer_Foundation","https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@skincancerorg"],"description":"The Skin Cancer Foundation saves and improves lives. We empower people to take a proactive approach to daily sun protection and the early detection and treatment of skin cancer.","email":"info@skincancer.org","telephone":"(212) 725-5176","legalName":"The Skin Cancer Foundation"}]} { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What causes basal cell carcinoma?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is caused by damage and subsequent DNA changes to the basal cells in the outermost layer of skin. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and indoor tanning is the major cause of BCCs and most skin cancers. About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers — mainly BCCs and squamous cell carcinomas — are associated with UV radiation exposure from the sun. Almost all BCCs occur on parts of the body that are excessively exposed to the sun. Both occasional intense sun exposure that leads to sunburn and cumulative sun exposure over a lifetime are the main causes of the skin damage that leads to BCCs." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the risk factors for basal cell carcinoma?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The main risk factors for developing basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are: UV exposure from the sun or indoor tanning beds; a personal history of skin cancer, including a previous BCC, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), or melanoma; age over 50; light skin, particularly with blond or red hair and blue, green, or grey eyes; male gender; and chronic skin inflammation from burns, scars, infections, or other conditions. Understanding these risk factors helps with prevention and early detection — when BCC is caught early, it is most curable." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does UV exposure from the sun cause basal cell carcinoma?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. UV exposure from the sun is the leading cause of basal cell carcinoma. Almost all BCCs occur on parts of the body excessively exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders, and back. The more time spent in the sun — from beach vacations to daily outdoor activities like walking the dog — the greater the likelihood of developing BCC. People whose occupations require long hours outdoors, or who spend significant leisure time in the sun, are at especially elevated risk due to both cumulative and intermittent intense UV exposure." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does indoor tanning increase the risk of basal cell carcinoma?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Tanning beds emit UV radiation that is dangerous and significantly raises the risk of developing BCC. More than 419,000 cases of skin cancer in the U.S. each year are linked to indoor tanning, including approximately 245,000 BCCs. People who have ever tanned indoors have a 29 percent increased risk of developing BCC. Any history of indoor tanning increases the risk of developing BCC before age 40 by 69 percent." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does a history of skin cancer increase the risk of more basal cell carcinomas?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. If you have already had a BCC, you are at risk for developing additional BCCs over the years, either in the same area or elsewhere on the body. You are also at increased risk of developing other forms of skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma. Regular dermatologist visits and monthly self-exams are especially important for anyone with a prior skin cancer diagnosis." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does age increase the risk of basal cell carcinoma?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. As you age, you accumulate sun exposure and sun damage, raising your risk of developing BCC. Most BCCs appear in people over age 50. However, the average patient age has been decreasing in recent decades. Dermatologists now report that more people in their 20s and 30s are being treated for BCCs — a trend attributed to increased outdoor UV exposure and indoor tanning among younger generations. BCC is no longer exclusively a condition of older adults." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does skin type affect the risk of basal cell carcinoma?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. All people with a history of sun exposure or indoor tanning can develop BCC. However, people with a light skin type — particularly those with blond or red hair, blue, green, or grey eyes, or skin that freckles or burns easily — are at the highest risk. The threat of skin cancer still exists for people with darker skin tones, and consistent sun protection is essential for everyone regardless of skin type." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are men more likely to get basal cell carcinoma than women?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Historically, yes. Men with BCC have outnumbered women with the disease. However, more women are now being diagnosed with BCCs than in the past. The gap has been narrowing, likely due to changes in sun exposure habits and the increasing use of indoor tanning among women. Gender is considered a risk factor, but BCC affects people of all genders." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can basal cell carcinoma develop on skin that has not been exposed to the sun?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "On rare occasions, BCCs do develop on areas of the body that are not excessively exposed to UV radiation. In very rare cases, exposure to other forms of radiation, certain chemicals, chronic inflammatory skin conditions, or complications from burns, scars, or infections can be contributing factors. However, the vast majority of BCCs are caused by cumulative UV damage from the sun or indoor tanning." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How can I reduce my risk of developing basal cell carcinoma?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "UV exposure is a controllable risk factor for BCC. You can significantly reduce your risk by: applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day; wearing sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses; seeking shade, especially during peak UV hours (10 AM to 4 PM); avoiding indoor tanning entirely; performing monthly full-body skin self-exams to catch any new, changing, or unusual spots early; and seeing a dermatologist at least once a year for a professional full-body skin exam." } } ] } ```