Key Statistics for Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Skin cancer is by far the most common type of cancer in the United States. Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a type of skin cancer, but it's not common. About 3,000 people are diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma in the United States each year.
The number of people diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma each year has been rising quickly over the past few decades. This is in part because of an increased awareness of this cancer, but it might also be due to an increase in risk factors. For instance, people are living longer, and more people are living with weakened immune systems (from previous treatment for cancer or other medical conditions).
- Most Americans diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma are older than age 70.
- Men are more likely to have MCC than women.
- More than 9 out of 10 Americans diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma are White people.
For survival statistics, see Survival Rates for Merkel Cell Carcinoma.
Visit the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Statistics Center for more key statistics.
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- References
Developed by the American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team with medical review and contribution by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
National Cancer Institute. Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment (PDQ)–Health Professional Version. 2024. Accessed at https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/hp/merkel-cell-treatment-pdq on May 28, 2024.
Paulson KG, Park SY, Vandeven NA, Lachance K, et al. Merkel cell carcinoma: Current US incidence and projected increases based on changing demographics. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018;78(3):457.
Tai P, Nghiem PT, Park SY. Pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnosis of Merkel cell (neuroendocrine) carcinoma. UpToDate. 2024. Accessed at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/pathogenesis-clinical-features-and-diagnosis-of-merkel-cell-neuroendocrine-carcinoma on November 18, 2024.
Last Revised: January 10, 2025
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