Basal cell carcinoma can affect people of any gender, race or medical history; however, you are more likely to have basal cell carcinoma, if you fall into one of these groups:
- People who have white skin, blue or green eyes, and blond hair
- Patients who have a history of melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma
- People who have suffered a significant sun exposure for several years, especially in childhood
- Patients who have been exposed to ionizing radiation or ultraviolet light for therapeutic or professional reasons
- People who have been in contact with chemical preparations that include more than 5 percent of crude coal tar
- People who received cancer treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- People who have undergone immunosuppressive therapy due certain medical reason such as heart or kidney transplant
- People who have scars from severe burns
- People who have many moles
- People who have actinic keratosis – scaly or crusty bump that develops on the skin surface
- people aged over 50 years
- People living at high altitudes or near the South Pole such as Australia
- People who work outdoors and are constantly exposed to sun rays: farmers, construction workers, etc.
- People who have weakened immune systems such as HIV victims, cancer patients, and those who had organ transplant
- People who work as welder, boilermaker or printer