Risks and causes of skin cancer

Most non melanoma skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun. This may be long term exposure, or short periods of intense sun exposure and burning. 

Age

The older you are, the more likely you are to develop non melanoma skin cancer. But skin cancers can develop in younger people too.

Sun exposure

Most skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun. This may be long term exposure, or short periods of intense sun exposure and burning. The ultraviolet light in sunlight damages the DNA in the skin cells. This damage can happen years before a cancer develops.

Previous skin cancer

People who have already had a skin cancer have a greater risk of getting another one compared to someone who hasn't had one. Researchers think this is most likely because of sun exposure. You should cover up in the sun and look out for any signs of another skin cancer.

Although there is an increased risk, this doesn’t mean that you will definitely develop another skin cancer.

Family history of skin cancer

Most non melanoma skin cancers don't run in families. But research has found some families seem to have a higher number than normal. 

You have an increased risk of developing a squamous cell skin cancer (SCC) if one of your parents has had a SCC. People who have a family history of melanoma have an increased risk of basal cell skin cancer (BCC).

Skin conditions

People with certain skin conditions can be more likely to develop skin cancer. These include:

Other risks

Gorlin syndrome

Also called naevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, it's a very rare inherited genetic condition. It causes many BCCs to develop.

Gorlin syndrome can appear in a family with no past history of the condition because of a random gene mutation. But this is unusual.

Past radiation exposure

You are more at risk of developing a non melanoma skin cancer in an area where you have had radiotherapy treatment. You should keep the area covered and use high factor sun cream. 

You also have a slightly increased risk of non melanoma skin cancer if you have been exposed to radiation through your job.

Weakened immune system

Having a weakened immune system may increase your risk of skin cancer in the future if you have:

  • had an organ or a bone marrow transplant and are taking drugs to stop rejection
  • HIV or AIDS
  • an inflammatory disease such as inflammatory bowel disease 

National guidelines recommend transplant patients have yearly check ups with a skin specialist to learn and look for skin cancer symptoms.

Human papilloma virus

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a common virus that has several different strains. It plays an important part in the development of skin cancer. 

People with certain conditions associated with HPV may be more likely to develop skin cancer. These include the following:

  • cervical cancer
  • genital warts (caused by HPV types 6 and 11)
  • epidermodysplasia verruciformis

Bowen's disease is a very early form of skin cancer. Rarely, it can develop in the genital area. Research into this condition has shown that infection with HPV can increase the risk of developing Bowen’s disease.

Chemicals

Some occupations and working with particular chemicals can increase your risk of skin cancer.

These include the following:

  • coal tar
  • soot
  • creosote
  • petroleum products, such as mineral oil or motor oil
  • shale oils
  • arsenic

Other possible causes

There are often stories about potential causes in the media. It isn’t always clear which ideas are supported by evidence. There might be things you have heard of that we haven’t included here. This is because either there is no evidence about them or it is less clear.

Detailed information on risks and causes

  • Non melanoma skin cancer statistics
    Cancer Research UK, Accessed December 2022

  • BMJ Best Practice Basal cell Carcinoma
    R A Schwartz and others
    BMJ Best Practice, Updated March 2018

  • British Association of Dermatologists Guidelines for the management of adults with basal cell carcinoma
    I Nasr and others
    British Journal of Dermatology, 2021. Volume 185, Issue 5, Pages 899-920

  • Non Melanoma Skin Cancer Pathogenesis Overview
    D Didona and others
    Biomedicines, 2018. Volume 6, Issue 1, Page 6

  • British Association of Dermatologists’ guidelines for the management of squamous cell carcinoma in situ (Bowens disease) 2014
    C A Morton, A J Birnie and D J Eedy
    British Journal of Dermatology, 2014. Volume 170, Issue 2, Pages 254–260

  • The information on this page is based on literature searches and specialist checking. We used many references and there are too many to list here. Please contact patientinformation@cancer.org.uk with details of the particular issue you are interested in if you need additional references for this information.

Last reviewed: 
03 Jan 2023
Next review due: 
03 Jan 2026

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