What are the key statistics for Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC)?
MCC is not very common with about 2,500 cases diagnosed in the United States each year.1 However, the number of people diagnosed with MCC has been increasing rapidly over the past few decades.2 This rise may be due to more accurate lab tests and an increase in risk factors. Over 80% of Americans diagnosed with MCC are over 70 years old. Additionally, men are nearly twice as likely to have it compared to women. MCC is more common in white people than in other races, with over 90% of cases diagnosed in the United States occurring in white individuals.
What are the risk factors of MCC?
A risk factor refers to any factor that increases the chance of developing a disease. Some known risk factors for Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) include3:
Learn more about Merkel cell carcinoma
Signs and symptoms of MCC
Learn about Merkel cell carcinoma
Diagnosing MCC
- Facts About Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. Updated August 23, 2023. Accessed November 7, 2024. https://www.fredhutch.org/en/diseases/merkel-cell-carcinoma/facts-resources.html
- About Merkel Cell Skin Cancer. American Cancer Society. Updated May 30, 2024. Accessed November 7, 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/merkel-cell-skin-cancer/about.html
- Merkel Cell Skin Cancer Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention. American Cancer Society. Updated October 9, 2018. Accessed November 7, 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/merkel-cell-skin-cancer/causes-risks-prevention.html