A definition of the term "basal cell carcinoma," which is a type of non-melanoma skin cancer, is presented. This form of skin cancer in most prevalent in the U.S. representing one third of all cancers diagnosed every year. Basal cell carcinoma represents 75% of non-melanoma skin cancers and has an estimated yearly incidence of more than 700,000 cases in the U.S. It presents information on risk factors and therapy for basal cell carcinoma.