Apply sunscreen at least a half hour before exposure, and reapply it frequently. Use sunscreen in winter, too. Examine the skin regularly for development of suspicious growths or changes in an existing skin lesion . A new growth that ulcerates, bleeds easily, or is slow to heal is suspicious. Suspicious changes in existing growths include change in color, size, texture, appearance, or the development of pain, inflammation, bleeding or itching .
Treatment varies depending on the size, depth, and location of the cancer .
New sites of basal cell cancer can occur, so prevention should be diligent. Regular examination by a health care provider may be required. Call for an appointment with your health care provider if any change occurs in the color, size, texture, or appearance of a skin lesion . Call for an appointment with your health care provider if pain, inflammation, bleeding , or itching occur in an existing skin lesion. Early and prolonged exposure to sunlight is thought to be the leading cause of skin cancer.