Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. It develops in the epidermis, the skin’s outer layer, and can appear as a red lump, a scaly patch or a sore that won’t heal.

Almost one million new cases of BCC are diagnosed each year. BCC is often curable when detected early, but it can sometimes spread to other parts of the body. Moreover, people with a history of BCC have an increased risk of developing other types of cancer.

Here are some of the cancers that have been linked to BCC:.

1. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

SCC is the second most common type of skin cancer after BCC. It arises from the squamous cells in the epidermis and can be more aggressive than BCC. If left untreated, SCC can grow deep into the skin and spread to other organs.

People who have had BCC are at a higher risk of developing SCC, especially if they have fair skin, a history of sun exposure and a weak immune system. A study found that BCC patients have a 12-fold increased risk of developing SCC compared to the general population.

2. Melanoma

Although BCC and melanoma are different types of skin cancer, they can occur in the same person. Melanoma arises from the pigment-producing cells called melanocytes in the epidermis.

It is less common than BCC and SCC, but it is more dangerous because it can spread quickly. People who have had BCC are at a higher risk of developing melanoma, especially if they have a history of multiple BCC lesions, a family history of melanoma or a weak immune system.

A study found that BCC patients have a 2.5-fold increased risk of developing melanoma compared to the general population.

3. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

NHL is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. It can arise from the lymphocytes, the white blood cells that fight infection.

People who have had BCC are at a higher risk of developing NHL, especially if they have a history of multiple BCC lesions, a family history of NHL or a weak immune system. A study found that BCC patients have a 1.3-fold increased risk of developing NHL compared to the general population.

4. Lung cancer

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs, the organs that help us breathe. It is more common in smokers, but it can also affect non-smokers.

People who have had BCC are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer, especially if they have a history of smoking or exposure to radon, asbestos or other carcinogens. A study found that BCC patients have a 1.2-fold increased risk of developing lung cancer compared to the general population.

5. Breast cancer

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the breast tissue, which may form a lump or show no symptoms. It is more common in women, but it can also affect men.

People who have had BCC are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, especially if they have a family history of breast cancer or a history of hormonal therapy. A study found that BCC patients have a 1.2-fold increased risk of developing breast cancer compared to the general population.

6. Colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon or the rectum, the parts of the digestive system that absorb nutrients and eliminate waste. It is more common in older adults, but it can also affect younger people.

People who have had BCC are at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer, especially if they have a family history of colorectal cancer or a history of inflammatory bowel disease. A study found that BCC patients have a 1.1-fold increased risk of developing colorectal cancer compared to the general population.

7. Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the prostate gland, which produces the seminal fluid that carries sperm. It is more common in older men, but it can also affect younger men.

People who have had BCC are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer, especially if they have a family history of prostate cancer or a history of hormonal therapy. A study found that BCC patients have a 1.1-fold increased risk of developing prostate cancer compared to the general population.

8. Bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the bladder, the organ that stores urine. It is more common in smokers, but it can also affect non-smokers.

People who have had BCC are at a higher risk of developing bladder cancer, especially if they have a history of smoking or exposure to carcinogens in the workplace or environment. A study found that BCC patients have a 1.1-fold increased risk of developing bladder cancer compared to the general population.

9. Kidney cancer

Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the kidneys, the organs that filter waste from the blood and produce urine. It is more common in older adults, but it can also affect younger people.

People who have had BCC are at a higher risk of developing kidney cancer, especially if they have a history of smoking, obesity or exposure to carcinogens in the workplace or environment. A study found that BCC patients have a 1.1-fold increased risk of developing kidney cancer compared to the general population.

10. Thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the thyroid gland, which produces hormones that regulate metabolism. It is more common in women, but it can also affect men.

People who have had BCC are at a higher risk of developing thyroid cancer, especially if they have a history of radiation exposure or a family history of thyroid cancer. A study found that BCC patients have a 1.1-fold increased risk of developing thyroid cancer compared to the general population.

Overall, people who have had BCC should be aware of their increased risk of developing other types of cancer and should take steps to prevent them.

These steps include protecting their skin from sun damage, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting screened for cancer and seeking medical advice if they notice any unusual symptoms.