Primary prevention

Counselling of young adults, adolescents, children, and parents of young children about minimising exposure to UV radiation for people aged 6 months to 24 years with fair skin types to reduce their risk of skin cancer is recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force.[67]​ Counselling should be selectively offered to adults older than 24 years with fair skin types about minimising their exposure to UV radiation to reduce risk of skin cancer.[67]

Sun protection to prevent UV irradiation should be encouraged including the use of sunscreens with UV-A and UV-B spectrum coverage, sunblocks (e.g., titanium dioxide, zinc dioxide), physical sun protection with clothing and hats, and sun avoidance.​[68][69][70]​​[71]​​​ The use of indoor tanning units (sunbeds) should be discouraged. 

Randomised controlled trials have shown a reduction in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) incidence in people who regularly apply sunscreen.[67][72][73]​​​​​​​​[74]

While there is no good evidence to support periodic screening in people prior to the development of SCC, or in those who are not at high risk, most experienced clinicians recommend that a yearly total body skin examination should be performed in all at-risk patients, preferably by a dermatologist, particularly in those >50 years of age.

Actinic keratoses should be treated at first development.[75] See Actinic keratosis

Solid organ transplant recipients

Solid organ transplant recipients (especially those with white skin and a history of significant sun exposure) have a high risk of developing SCC. To prevent the onset of disease in patients with no actinic keratosis and photodamage only, preventive measures should be encouraged, including patient education, sun protection strategies, sunscreen, and/or skin surveillance.[12]

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer