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A diagnosis of skin cancer or finding a suspicious spot can be frightening. Experts from the Skin Cancer Foundation and members can help you through the maze of diagnosis and treatment.

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Possibly of being diagnosed with other cancers
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kanelson612 posted:
I was just diagnosed with Basel cell skin cancer on my face. What is the chance I could get any other cancers even those not related to skin.
2 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Possibly of being diagnosed with other cancersI was just diagnosed with Basel cell skin cancer on my face. What is the chance I could get any other cancers even those not related to skin.
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Elizabeth_WebMD_Staff responded:
Hi and Welcome kandelson612,

I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Hopefully you have had treatment and are on the mend.

This resource, Skin Cancer Nonmelanoma , may be helpful. Although to specifically address your personal cancer risk please talk with your doctors.

Have you had a complete body check? Were any other suspicious areas found?

Elizabeth
Report This| Share this:Possibly of being diagnosed with other cancersHi and Welcome kandelson612,<br /><br />I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Hopefully you have had treatment and are on the mend.<br /><br />This resource, <a href="http://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/skin-cancer-guide/skin-cancer-nonmelanoma-what-happens">Skin Cancer Nonmelanoma</a> , may be helpful. Although to specifically address your <a href="http://www.webmd.com/cancer/health-check-cancer-risk/default.htm">personal cancer risk</a> please talk with your doctors.<br /><br />Have you had a complete body check? Were any other suspicious areas found?<br /><br />Elizabeth
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Skin Cancer Foundation
Michael W Steppie, MD responded:
Having any form of cancer does somewhat increase your risk of developing other forms of cancer, and having any form of skin cancer significantly increases your risk of developing other skin cancers. However, just because you were diagnosed with a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) does not necessarily mean that you will develop another form of cancer. Often other cancers have very different causes and risk factors.


These other risk factors can be chemicals/environment, food, genetics, hormones, infectious agents, radiation, and/or sunlight. All of these factors should be taken into consideration. Examine your skin head to toe monthly, regularly see a dermatologist or other skin expert, and remember to use daily sun protection, including clothing, UV-blocking sunglasses, shade, and SPF 15 or higher sunscreen.


Follow-up skin exams are especially important for people with BCC because they are quite likely to develop new or recurrent BCCs within 5 years of the first one. Early detection and prevention are key.
Report This| Share this:Possibly of being diagnosed with other cancersHaving any form of cancer does somewhat increase your risk of developing other forms of cancer, and having any form of skin cancer significantly increases your risk of developing other skin cancers. However, just because you were diagnosed with a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) does not necessarily mean that you will develop another form of cancer. Often other cancers have very different causes and risk factors.<br /><br /><br />These other risk factors can be chemicals/environment, food, genetics, hormones, infectious agents, radiation, and/or sunlight. All of these factors should be taken into consideration. Examine your skin head to toe monthly, regularly see a dermatologist or other skin expert, and remember to use daily sun protection, including clothing, UV-blocking sunglasses, shade, and SPF 15 or higher sunscreen.<br /><br /><br />Follow-up skin exams are especially important for people with BCC because they are quite likely to develop new or recurrent BCCs within 5 years of the first one. Early detection and prevention are key.
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