Primary prevention

Prevention of basal cell carcinoma includes avoidance of exposure to ultraviolet light, x-rays, and arsenic. Primary care counselling can increase sun-protective behaviours and decrease indoor tanning.[41][42]

Secondary prevention

Patients should be advised to use a sunscreen and protective garments and devices, or to stay out of the sun.[44][100]​ However, solar damage is sufficiently advanced in most cases such that this will not prevent emergence of new basal cell carcinomas (BCCs).

Early detection and removal effectively prevents further complications.[101] Chemoprevention utilising oral nicotinamide or capecitabine may be beneficial for high-risk patients.[102][103]

A hedgehog pathway inhibitor may be used in the management of basal cell naevus syndrome to reduce tumour load and new occurrence of BCC.[60]

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