Final answer:
Basal cell carcinoma is more common in individuals with light skin, a predisposition to sunburn, and a family history of skin cancer, often occurring in areas exposed to UV radiation. Early detection leads to effective treatment options such as surgery and cryosurgery. Other risk factors include exposure to radiation or toxic substances like arsenic.
Step-by-step explanation:
Basal cell carcinoma commonly occurs in individuals with light-colored skin, many moles, and a family history of skin cancer, who tend to get sunburned easily—mostly in skin areas that are exposed to UV radiation, like the head, neck, arms, and back. In addition to UV light exposure, other environmental risk factors for basal cell carcinoma include being exposed to radiation or toxic substances such as arsenic, having precancerous skin lesions, having a personal history of skin cancer, or having a weakened immune system. Basal cell carcinoma starts in the basal cells of the epidermis and usually spreads along this boundary without metastasizing, which means it does not easily spread to other parts of the body. Treatment options are effective, especially when the cancer is detected early, and may include surgery, freezing, or topical ointments.