RISK FACTORS FOR MERKEL CELL CARCINOMA (MCC)

The main risk factor for merkel cell carcinoma is high exposure to UV radiation from the sun or other forms of UV radiation such as tanning beds or sun lamps. Other risk factors include;

• Weakened immune systems (e.g., patients on immunosuppressive drugs or people with HIV)
• Older age (those greater than 50)
• Having light skin.
• A history of other cancers,
• Sex assigned at birth (males are two times more likely to be diagnosed with MCC than females)
• Immunosuppressive drugs, including those taken by people who have had an organ transplant or an autoimmune disease.
• Cancers that impact the production of immune system cells, like leukemia and lymphoma.
• Merkel cell polyomavirus- This virus can be found in most healthy people. It has no symptoms and is easily cleared by the body, but in a small number of people it may contribute to the development of Merkel cell carcinoma.