Skin Cancer Non-Melanoma

Non-melanoma skin cancer originates in the skin cells, and can invade and damage surrounding tissues. Although it can spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body, this is uncommon in non-melanoma skin cancer.

There are 2 main types of non-melanoma skin cancer:  basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common skin cancer, grows slowly, rarely spreads, and usually appears on the head, face, arms and neck. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the second most common, grows faster and is more likely to spread, compared to BCC. Early SCC (in situ) is confined to the epidermis but can become invasive if untreated.

From the Canadian Cancer Society: What is skin cancer? and Types of non-melanoma skin cancer. 

About this Cancer

Statistics

Non-melanoma skin cancers are not included in the Canadian Cancer Statistics 2025 because the majority of provincial territorial cancer registries do not record incidence data for this type of cancer.

Symptoms

  • Basal cell carcinoma
    • A sore that fails to heal or reappears after healing.
    • Flat, pale white, or yellow areas resembling scars.
    • Red scaly and raised blotches.
    • Small, smooth, shiny lumps that appear pearly white, pink, or red.
    • A pink growth with raised borders and central indentation.
    • A growth with visible small blood vessels on its surface.
    • A sore that releases blood.
    • A growth or area causing itchiness.
    • A region of the skin that appears darker than usual
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
    • A sore that does not heal or recurs after healing.
    • Rough, scaly red patches with uneven edges.
    • Raised lumps with a central indentation.
    • A growth resembling a wart.
    • A sore that appears crusty or bleeds readily.

From the Canadian Cancer Society: Signs and symptoms of non-melanoma skin cancer

Risk Factors

  • Sun and using tanning equipment
  • Fair skin, light eyes, and light hair
  • A personal history of skin cancer
  • Exposure to ionizing radiation
  • Contact with arsenic
  • Familial history of non-melanoma skin cancer
  • Occupational exposure to specific chemical products
  • Undergoing PUVA therapy: PUVA therapy, used to treat skin conditions like psoriasis, relies on the drug psoralen and UVA radiation, increasing skin sensitivity to UVA light. Prolonged PUVA therapy raises the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
  • Xeroderma pigmentosum: an inherited condition preventing the skin’s ability to repair damage driven by UV radiation from the sun. This condition heightens the risk of developing both non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers.
  • Basal cell nevus syndrome: Basal cell nevus syndrome, or Gorlin syndrome, is a genetic condition that heightens the risk of developing BCC as well as medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumour.
  • A compromised immune system

From the Canadian Cancer Society: Risk factors for non-melanoma skin cancer

Diagnosis

  • Health history and skin exam
  • Skin biopsy: A skin biopsy involves removing skin tissues or cells for lab testing to determine if cancer cells are present.
    • Shave biopsy: Removes raised or superficial areas with a razor blade or scalpel
    • Punch biopsy: Extracts a round skin sample using a punch tool, often for deeper abnormalities 
    • Excisional biopsy: surgically removes the entire abnormal region for a complete examination. 

From the Canadian Cancer Society: Diagnosis of non-melanoma skin cancer

Treatment

Surgery is the primary treatment. Other treatment options include:

  • Radiation therapy
  • Drug therapy
  • Photodynamic therapy

For more information regarding treatment options, please consult: Treatments for non-melanoma skin cancer | Canadian Cancer Society

Stories from Survivors

Stories from Other Groups

We currently do not have any skin cancer stories. If you have any, please send them to us at info@survivornet.ca.

Resources

Skin Cancer Non-Melanoma

Canada

  • Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation: “The Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation was founded in 2002 by one of North America’s foremost authorities on skin cancer surgery, Dr. Barry Lycka. Dr. Lycka believes that skin cancers could be virtually eliminated if people were aware of the dangers of overexposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays and educated about how they could safely enjoy the outdoors. Our Vision: A world without skin cancer; Our Mission: To prevent and eradicate skin cancer through education, awareness, advocacy and research.”
  • Canadian Dermatology Association:  “Established in 1925, the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) is a member organization that advocates for dermatologists across Canada, underscoring their essential role in the healthcare system. As a community of Certified Dermatologists, we are dedicated to advancing the science of dermatology encompassing over 3000 skin, hair and nail conditions. Our commitment extends beyond professional support; we also protect and educate the public through comprehensive educational initiatives and our product recognition program.”
  • Save Your Skin Foundation: “Save Your Skin Foundation (SYSF) is a national patient-led not-for-profit group dedicated to the fight against non-melanoma skin cancers, melanoma and ocular melanoma through nationwide education, advocacy, and awareness initiatives. Save Your Skin Foundation is committed to playing an active role in reducing the incidence of skin cancer in Canada, and to providing compassionate support for all Canadians living with skin cancers.”

International

Skin Cancer Foundation (USA): The Skin Cancer Foundation