About advanced non-melanoma skin cancer

Let's Get Real About Skin Cancer raises awareness about certain types of advanced NMSC.

While most people are familiar with melanoma, fewer know about NMSC like basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), which are some of the most common types of skin cancer in the United States and far more prevalent.1

BCC or CSCC can become serious if it spreads or advances locally.2 An advanced BCC or CSCC can become challenging to treat if left undiagnosed and untreated.2

GET THE FACTS

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

NMSC, such as BCC and CSCC, often presents in sun-exposed areas like the head, face and neck but can also be found on arms and legs.3

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.3

CSCC can look like an elevated wart-like growth or scaly lesion that occasionally bleeds, but presentation may vary.3

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

People age 65 and over, especially men,4

People with a history of skin cancer or precancerous skin lesions, and4

People with light skin tones who have been exposed to intense and extended sun exposure, though all skin tones are at risk.4

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.5

Stages of CSCC

Illustration of cancerous squamous cells in the skin.

Early stage: Localized CSCC

At this stage, the tumor hasn't spread beyond its original location6

Illustration of skin depicting spreading cancerous cells indicating locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Locally advanced CSCC (laCSCC)

Occurs when tumors become large or have grown deep into the skin, underlying tissues, muscles or nerves, destroying nearby healthy tissue7,8

Illustration of skin layers with metastasis to lymph node indicating metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Metastatic CSCC (mCSCC)

Occurs when tumors spread beyond their original location to other parts or organs of the body7,8

Stages of BCC

Illustration showing common locations of localized basal cell carcinoma on a human figure.

Early stage: Localized BCC

At this stage, the tumor hasn't spread beyond its original location7

Illustration showing layers of skin with cancer mass extending to the dermis showing locally advanced basal cell carcinoma.

Locally advanced BCC (laBCC)

Occurs when tumors become large or have grown deep into the skin, underlying tissues, muscles or nerves, destroying nearby healthy tissue9

Illustration showing layers of the skin with cancer mass extending to lymph nodes, indicating metastatic basal cell carcinoma.

Metastatic BCC (mBCC)

Occurs when tumors spread beyond their original location to other parts or organs of the body7

The importance of regular skin checks

Experts agree it is essential to conduct regular skin checks.10 Examine your skin at home from head to toe and ask a spouse, friend or family member to check hard-to-see areas.

Your doctor may recommend you see a dermatologist once a year for a skin exam, particularly if you are at higher risk for skin cancer.11 It is a relatively quick and painless routine screening process, so don't be nervous.

See something new, changing, or unusual on your skin?

Talk to your dermatologist. It could be a type of NMSC. NMSC, such as BCC and CSCC, is curable if caught early.2 While rare, cases can become advanced if left undiagnosed or untreated.2

Take action today!

Pledge to get a skin check!

Early detection starts with you. Commit to seeing a dermatologist.
Click the pledge below.

Find a dermatologist in your area.
View the .

NMSC across skin tones

Did you know advanced stages of NMSC can affect people of all skin tones?12

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.13

CSCC in people of color is often found in non-sun-exposed areas of the skin.13,14,15,16

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.

Looking for a dermatologist?

Many people would like to be proactive about their skin health but may not know where to start. After taking the pledge, a good next step is to speak with your primary care doctor to find a board-certified dermatologist if you don't already have one.

The following resources may help you identify a doctor in your area:

The organizations above are independent nonprofit organizations. Regeneron does not endorse any specific doctor or practice. These directories may not include a full listing of all available doctors in your area.

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 March 21, 2024.
  2. Cancer.net. Skin Cancer (Non-Melanoma): Introduction. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/skin-cancer-non-melanoma/introduction. Accessed on March 21, 2024.
  3. 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 March 21, 2024.
  4. 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 March 21, 2024.
  5. 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 March 21, 2024.
  6. Skin Cancer Foundation. Squamous Cell Carcinoma Overview. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma/. Accessed on March 21, 2024.
  7. City of Hope Cancer Center. Stages of Skin Cancer. https://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-types/skin-cancer/stages#squamous-cell-carcinoma-stages. Accessed on March 21, 2024.
  8. Skin Cancer Foundation. Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma/advanced-scc/. Accessed on March 21, 2024.
  9. Migden MR, et al. Emerging trends in the treatment of advanced basal cell carcinoma. Cancer Treat Rev. 2018 Mar:64:1-10.
  10. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Skin Cancer. https://www.aad.org/media/stats-skin-cancer. Accessed on March 21, 2024.
  11. Skin Cancer Foundation. Annual Exams - Five Easy Steps to Prepare Yourself. https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/annual-exams/. Accessed on March 21, 2024.
  12. Skin Cancer Foundation. Skin Cancer in People of Color. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-skin-of-color/. Accessed on March 21, 2024.
  13. Gloster HM Jr, Neal K. Skin Cancer in Skin of Color. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006 Nov;55(5):741-60.
  14. 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.
  15. Bradford PT. Skin cancer in skin of color. Dermatol Nurs. 2009 Jul-Aug;21(4):170-7, 206.11.
  16. Jackson BA. Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer in Persons of Color. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2009;28(2):93-95.
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