What is the #1 most common skin cancer in the US?

Basal cell carcinoma is recognized as the most prevalent form of skin cancer in the United States. This type of cancer primarily arises in the basal cells of the epidermis, which are responsible for producing new skin cells as old ones shed. Basal cell carcinoma is often associated with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, making it particularly common among populations with significant sun exposure.

The reason for its high incidence is due to its ability to develop in areas frequently exposed to sunlight, such as the face, neck, and arms. Although it has the potential to be aggressive and invade nearby tissues, it rarely metastasizes or spreads to other parts of the body, which contributes to a favorable prognosis for patients.

In contrast, while melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and keratoacanthoma can also occur, they are less common compared to basal cell carcinoma. Melanoma is notably more aggressive and has a higher rate of metastasis, but it represents a smaller percentage of overall skin cancers. Squamous cell carcinoma is also significant but does not reach the same frequency as basal cell carcinoma. Keratoacanthoma, while sometimes classified as a variant of squamous cell carcinoma, is considered rare by comparison. Therefore, identifying basal cell