Early detection of non-melanoma skin cancer

When non-melanoma skin cancer is detected and treated early, the chances of successful treatment are better. Recognizing symptoms and getting regular checkups are the best ways to detect non-melanoma skin cancer early. The sooner symptoms are reported, the sooner a doctor can diagnose and treat the cancer.

Learning what to look for and checking the skin regularly can help find most skin cancers early enough to be successfully treated.

High-risk individuals

People who are at higher than average risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer may need to be examined more often than people with average risk. Examples of what puts a person at higher than average risk include:

• a personal history of skin cancer
• certain genetic syndromes
  • xeroderma pigmentosum
  • basal cell nevus syndrome
• receiving immunosuppressive therapy after an organ transplant
• receiving PUVA therapy

People who are at higher than average risk should talk to their doctor about a personal plan for testing. A personal plan of testing may include:

• frequent skin examination by health professional