Can Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers Be Prevented?

There is no sure way to prevent all basal and squamous cell skin cancers. Some risk factors such as your age, gender, race, and family history can’t be controlled. But there are things you can do that could lower your risk of getting these and other skin cancers.

Limit your exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays

The most important way to lower your risk of basal and squamous cell skin cancers is to limit your exposure to UV rays. Practice sun safety when you are outdoors.

Look for shade

Simply staying in the shade is one of the best ways to limit your UV exposure.

“Slip! Slop! Slap! ^®… and Wrap”

This catchphrase can help you remember some of the key steps you can take to protect yourself from UV rays. If you are going to be in the sun:

• Slip on a shirt.
• Slop on sunscreen.
• Slap on a hat.
• Wrap on sunglasses to protect the eyes and sensitive skin around them.

Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps

Many people believe the UV rays of tanning beds are harmless. This is not true. Tanning lamps give off UV rays, which can cause long-term skin damage and can contribute to skin cancer. Most skin doctors and health organizations recommend not using tanning beds and sun lamps.

Protect children from the sun

Children need special attention, since they tend to spend more time outdoors and can burn more easily. Parents and other caregivers should protect children from excess sun exposure by using the steps above. Children need to be taught about the dangers of too much sun exposure as they become more independent.

To learn more about UV exposure and what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones, see How Do I Protect Myself from Ultraviolet (UV) Rays?

Avoid harmful chemicals

Exposure to certain chemicals, such as arsenic, can increase a person’s risk of skin cancer. People can be exposed to arsenic from well water in some areas, pesticides and herbicides, some medicines and imported traditional herbal remedies, and in certain occupations (such as mining and smelting).

Check your skin regularly

Checking your skin regularly may help you spot any new growths or abnormal areas and show them to your doctor before they even have a chance to turn into skin cancer. To learn more, see Can Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers be Found Early?

Don’t smoke

Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of squamous cell skin cancer, as well as to many other types of cancer. If you are thinking about quitting smoking and need help, call the American Cancer Society for information and support at 1-800-227-2345.

Avoid weakening your immune system (when possible)

Having a weakened immune system increases your risk of getting skin cancer, and if you do get it, it might be harder to treat.

Infection with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, can weaken the immune system. Avoiding known risk factors for HIV infection, such as intravenous (IV) drug use and having unprotected sex with many partners, can also lower your risk of getting skin cancer and many other types of cancer. 

Some people need to take medicines to suppress their immune system. This includes people who have had organ transplants and some people with autoimmune diseases. People with cancer also sometimes need to take medicines such as chemotherapy that can lower their immune function. For these people, the benefit from taking these medicines will likely far outweigh the small increased risk of getting skin cancer.

Medicines to lower risk

Some people at increased risk for skin cancer, such as people with certain inherited conditions or a weakened immune system, might be helped by medicines that could lower their risk (known as chemoprevention). Doctors are studying many different drugs that might lower risk, although these are not commonly used at this time. For more information, see What’s New in Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Research?