Epidemiology

​MCC accounts for less than 1% of all skin cancers, with approximately 2500 cases detected annually in the US.[3]​ Incidence is increasing (postulated to be as a result of an aging population and improved recognition) and is projected to reach >5000 cases a year in the US by 2030.[4][5][6]​​​​​

Based on available data, the highest recorded incidence of MCC globally is in Australia, where it is reported to be as high as 2.5 per 100,000 people, followed by New Zealand with 0.96 per 100,000, then the US with 0.7 cases per 100,000 people. In Europe, incidence ranges from 0.12 to 0.6 per 100,000 people.[5][6][7][8]​​​

Incidence increases with age and is highest among those >85 years of age.[4][5]​​​​ The incidence of MCC is higher in men than in women, with various studies reporting that 61% to 66% of cases are in men.[1][4][5][9]​​[10]​​​​​​​ MCC is predominantly seen in white patients and is very rare in people of color.[7] There is an 8-fold increased incidence in white individuals compared with non-Hispanic black people.[11]

An estimated 80% of MCC tumors in North America occur in people who are positive for Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), whereas in Australia, only 24% of MCCs are estimated to be MCPyV-associated.[12]​ Australia has the highest reported prevalence of ultraviolet light-associated MCC tumors.[13]

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