Squamous Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors

Age - squamous cell carcinoma affects mostly people aged 60 or over.
Sex - men are more affected by squamous cell carcinoma than women.
Certain occupation – people who have a profession which obligates them to work outdoors are at high risk of skin cancer including squamous cell carcinoma.
Genetic - Some inherited conditions such as albinism and xeroderma pigmentosum can be responsible for certain forms of squamous cell carcinoma.
Therapeutic radiation - X-rays to the head or neck and certain treatments for psoriasis such as psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) can lead to development of squamous cell carcinoma, even years after the therapies.
Toxic environment – certain chemical toxins such as arsenic - a toxic odorless and tasteless semi-metal element that can be found in air and groundwater – increases your risk of squamous cell carcinoma.
Immunosupressant drugs –taking immunosupressant drugs is a major causative factor of squamous cell carcinoma. In fact, up to 80 percent of people who take immunosupressant medications after an organ transplant develop squamous cell carcinoma.

Other risk factors include:

· fair skin

· blonde or red hair; blue or green eyes

· history of indoor tanning

· diagnosed with actinic keratoses (AKs)

· family history of skin cancer

· scar

· chronic ulcers

· severe burns

· regular contact with chemicals such as coal tar

· chronic consumption of alcohol and nicotine.

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