to get a skin check

More than 5.4 million NMSC cases, like BCC and CSCC, are diagnosed among 3.3 million people annually in the U.S.1

NMSC, like BCC and CSCC, often presents in sun-exposed areas like the head, face and neck but can also be found on arms and legs.5

BCC can look like open sores that don't heal or that heal and come back, or pink or red pearly bumps or growths that may have raised edges and blue, brown, or black areas, but presentation may vary.5

CSCC can look like an elevated wart-like growth or scaly lesion that occasionally bleeds, but presentation may vary.5

People who are at higher risk of developing BCC or CSCC include:

People age 65 and over,
especially men,6

People with a history of skin
cancer or precancerous skin
lesions, and6

People who have been exposed to intense and extended sun exposure, such as those who work outside or have outdoor hobbies — especially people with light skin tones, though all skin tones are at risk.6

Do you have a job or hobby that brings you outdoors often?

Tips for protecting your skin from the sun

Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 during any outdoor activities, and reapply at least every two hours7

Cover skin with long sleeves, long pants, wide brim hats and sun-protective clothing7

If possible, seek shade and limit sun exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM, when the sun’s rays are most intense7

Understanding the stages of NMSC

Staging of NMSC describes or classifies how much cancer there is in the body and where it is when first diagnosed. If diagnosed with cancer, knowing the stage is important to help the medical team determine the best way to manage the case. An advanced BCC or CSCC can become challenging to treat if left undiagnosed and untreated.8

Visualization follows the progression of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) from localized CSCC, through locally advanced and metastatic CSCC stages. Tumors spread from localized areas to underlying tissues, muscles and nerves, causing damage to heathy tissue until they eventually spread beyond their original location to other parts of the body.
Visualization follows the progression of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) from localized BCC, through locally advanced and metastatic stages. Tumors spread from localized areas to underlying tissues, muscles and nerves, causing damage to heathy tissue until they eventually spread beyond their original location to other parts of the body.

NMSC across skin tones

Did you know advanced stages of NMSC can affect people of all skin tones?9

The perception that skin cancers do not affect people of color is a myth. While NMSC, such as BCC or CSCC, occurs more frequently in Caucasians, clinical outcomes, specifically for CSCC, are worse in people of color as skin cancer is often diagnosed later and at more advanced stages.10

CSCC in people of color is often found in non-sun-exposed areas of the skin.10,11,12,13

GET THE FACTS
Board-certified dermatologist
Maritza Perez, MD tells us more.

An NMSC multidisciplinary care team

Depending on the type and stage of NMSC, a doctor might start working together with other healthcare professionals to develop a treatment plan that is specific to the patient's case.

Learn how physicians with different specialties work together to manage an NMSC case.

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References:
  1. American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/about/key-statistics.html. Accessed on February 6, 2025.
  2. Cancer.net. Skin Cancer (Non-Melanoma): Introduction. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/skin-cancer-non-melanoma/introduction. Accessed on February 6, 2025.
  3. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Skin Cancer. https://www.aad.org/media/stats-skin-cancer. Accessed on February 6, 2025.
  4. Skin Cancer Foundation. Annual Exams - Five Easy Steps to Prepare Yourself. https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/annual-exams/. Accessed on February 6, 2025.
  5. American Cancer Society. Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging.html. Accessed on February 6, 2025.
  6. American Cancer Society. Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Risk Factors. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html. Accessed on February 6, 2025.
  7. American Cancer Society. How to Protect Yourself and Your Family From the Sun. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/cancer-control/en/booklets-flyers/protect-from-the-sun.pdf. Accessed on February 6, 2025.
  8. American Cancer Society. Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Stages and Risk Groups. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/staging.html. Accessed on February 6, 2025.
  9. Skin Cancer Foundation. Skin Cancer in People of Color. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-skin-of-color/. Accessed on February 6, 2025.
  10. Gloster HM Jr, Neal K. Skin Cancer in Skin of Color. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006 Nov;55(5):741-60.
  11. Gupta AK, et al. Skin Cancer Concerns in People of Color: Risk Factors and Prevention. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2016 Dec 1;17(12):5257-5264.
  12. Bradford PT. Skin cancer in skin of color. Dermatol Nurs. 2009 Jul-Aug;21(4):170-7, 206.11.
  13. Jackson BA. Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer in Persons of Color. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2009;28(2):93-95.
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