Outdoor sun exposure in patients with underlying genetic susceptibility is the most likely mechanism of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) formation in young male patients, according to a recent study that investigated BCC risk factors in male patients >40 years. A consecutive series of male patients with pathology-proven BCC and >40 years at time of diagnosis were retrospectively identified (n=50) along with matched controls (n=27). Phone interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire, and differences between patients with and without BCC were investigated. Researchers found:

• Compared with controls, patients with BCC worked outdoor jobs for longer lengths of time (43.2 vs 15.6 months), were more likely to have a family history of skin cancer (66% vs 44%), and were more likely to use sunscreen heavily after biopsy.
• Patients with multiple BCCs (n=20) were more likely to have a history of substantial recreational sun exposure than patients with solitary lesions.