Basal cell carcinoma primary prevention

Prevention and early diagnosis
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer. It occurs mainly in fair-skinned patients with a family history of this cancer. Sunlight is a factor in about two-thirds of these cancers, but one-third occur in non-sun-exposed areas. Therefore, doctors recommend sun screens.

The use of a chemotherapeutic agent such as 5-Fluorouracil or Imiquimod, can prevent development of skin cancer. It is usually recommended to individuals with extensive sun damage, history of multiple skin cancers, or precancerous growths. It is often repeated every 2 to 3 years to further decrease the risk of skin cancer.