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Likelihood of recurrence of BCC

NoelM
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Hi,

I had a basal cell carcinoma removed about a year ago.  Is the likelihood that I might get more increased given have had one previously?

I understood from my surgeon that it was not possible to test for further 'suspects', and that the likelihood of getting any more was unaffected by the fact I had had one before.  I am in the process of renewing my health insurance, and their underwriters are refusing to cover further BCCs on the basis that I am significantly more likely than not to re-experience further instances.

Who is right?

Thanks

  • Hello and welcome to our online community here at Macmillan, we hope you find it a supportive place to visit. My name is Gemma and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists at the Macmillan support line.

    Thank you for your question about the risk of recurrence with Basal Cell Carcinoma’s (BCC), a type of non-melanoma skin cancer; sometimes referred to as a ‘rodent ulcer’. These are the most common type of non-melanoma skin cancer, occurring in around 7 or 8 out of every ten diagnosed.

    It is true, as a general statistic, that having a previous BCC increases the likelihood of further instances.

    However, this risk can vary widely between individuals.  The “Non-melanoma skin cancer: United Kingdom National Multidisciplinary Guidelines” separate BCCs into low risk and high-risk groups depending on certain features. Including the overall size, how well removed it was; this is sometimes referred to as the ‘surgical margin’, and other specifics of the BCC and surgery.

    We are unable to access health care records to be able to comment on an individual situation. But do recommend contacting someone in your health care team, such as your GP or dermatologist who will have access to your case records, to be able to say which group your BCC last year was categorised as. 

    Regardless of risk group, there is general self-care advice to help reduce the risk of another.

    Private medical insurance policies and companies can vary. Our financial guides can help you understand your private medical insurance policy, including what you may or may not be covered for. You can call to speak to them directly on the support line (contact details below). Alternatively, you may like to read this thread which discusses shopping around for health insurance.

    The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial, and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks* on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.

    Our Ref: VG

    If you have any further questions, please get in touch by email, webchat, or phone.

    With Kindness,

     

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