Summary Background A dramatic rise in the incidence rates of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in young women has been reported. Objectives We investigate potential risk factors (RF) for sporadic BCC in young patients and the current distribution of such RF in the general population of Catalonia, comparing the differences among men and women. Patients and Methods A case‐control study was performed, 69 BCCs diagnosed in patients ≤ 45 years of age vs. 69 healthy controls. Afterward, 1,078 participants from the general population completed an RF questionnaire. Results Repeated sunburns were more frequent in instances of early‐onset BCC in covered skin than in sun‐exposed skin (P  =  0.029). In the general population, 39.1 % of participants reported sunbed use (50.1 % in women, 10.9 % in men). Sunbed use was the only relevant RF more predominant in women than men, favoring the trend to female predominance of BCCs above other RF. Additionally, we found a significant trend in young participants for reduced sunbed use (P < 0.001), although they had the same percentage of repeated sunburns. Repeated sunburns are the most relevant RF for early‐onset BCCs that can be targeted in prevention campaigns. Conclusions We should be aware of the more relevant RF for early‐onset BCCs and their distribution among the general population to address preventive campaigns.