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Learn about key statistics for rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), including how common it is, who is most affected, and the outlook for those with a diagnosis.

How common is rhabdomyosarcoma?

About 350 to 400 new pediatric cases of rhabdomyosarcoma occur each year in the United States. The number of new cases has not changed much over the past few decades.

About 3% of all childhood cancers are RMS. The most common type is embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS), which tends to develop in the head and neck area or in the genital and urinary tracts. Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) affects all age groups and is found more often in the arms, legs, or trunk (chest or abdomen).

Who is most affected by RMS?

Most rhabdomyosarcomas are diagnosed in children and teens, with more than half of them occurring in children younger than 10 years old.

RMS is slightly more common in boys than in girls. It is less common in children of Hispanic and Asian descent compared to children of European or African descent.

What is the outlook for those with RMS?

The prognosis (outlook) for people with RMS depends on many factors, including the type of RMS, the location and size of the tumor, the results of surgery, gene fusion status, and whether the cancer has spread. Children aged 1 to 9 tend to have a better outlook than infants or older children or adults. Statistics related to survival are discussed in Survival Rates for Rhabdomyosarcoma by Risk Group.