Can Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) Be Prevented?

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is uncommon, and some risk factors for MCC, such as your age, sex, and skin color can’t be controlled. Still, there are some things you can do that might help lower your risk of getting more common types of skin cancer

Limit your exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays

The most important way to lower your risk of skin cancers (including MCC) is to limit your exposure to UV rays. Practice sun safety when you are outdoors.

Seek shade

Simply staying in the shade is one of the best ways to limit your UV exposure.

Protect your skin with clothing

When you are out in the sun, wear clothing to cover your skin.

Use sunscreen

Apply sunscreen generously, making sure to cover all parts of your body that aren’t covered by clothing, including your face, ears, neck, arms, the tops of your feet, and your scalp and hairline. Protect your lips by using lip balm with sunscreen.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat

A hat with at least a 2- to 3-inch brim all around is ideal for sun protection.

Wear sunglasses that block UV rays

UV-blocking sunglasses are important for protecting the delicate skin around the eyes, as well as the eyes themselves.

Don't use tanning beds or sunlamps

Tanning lamps give off UV rays, which can cause long-term skin damage and can contribute to skin cancer.

Keep your immune system strong

Having a weakened immune system increases the risk of getting Merkel cell cancer, as well as other types of skin cancer. The immune system can be weakened by:

HIV infection

Infection with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, can weaken the immune system. Avoiding known risk factors for HIV infection, such as intravenous (IV) drug use and having unprotected sex with many partners, might lower your risk of skin cancers such as MCC, as well as other types of cancer. To learn more, see HIV Infection and Cancer.

Organ transplants and autoimmune diseases

Some people need to take medicines to suppress their immune system. This includes people who have had organ transplants and some people with autoimmune diseases.

Chemotherapy

People with cancer also sometimes need to take medicines such as chemotherapy, which can lower their immune function. For these people, the benefit from taking these medicines will likely far outweigh the small increased risk of getting skin cancer.