Common Types of Cancer
There are over 200 types of cancer. In the United States, breast and lung cancer are the most common, with over 40,000 cases of both diagnosed each year. Liver and prostate cancers are rarer. Here’s a look at the most common types of cancers right now.
Breast cancer: Most Americans fear breast cancer more than any other form of the disease, and for good reason. It’s a leading cause of death among women under the age of 45, thousands of new cases are diagnosed each year, and one out of every 16 American women will develop the disease in her lifetime.
Lung cancer: The second most common cancer in the United States, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths. Lung cancer develops in the cells found in the air sacs of the lungs. Symptoms include a new cough, a change in your normal cough pattern, feeling short of breath, experiencing chest pain, or coughing up blood. If you do smoke, quitting can lower your risk of lung cancer.
Prostate cancer: Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among men. It is also the second leading cause of cancer death. While doctors rarely find prostate cancer in its early stages, which is when it can be cured, a simple blood test can identify prostate cancer at an early stage, when it’s least likely to spread and cause serious problems.
Colorectal cancer: Colorectal cancer affects roughly 1 out of every 17 people, or more than 50 percent of Americans, during their lifetimes. Colorectal cancer forms when changes (mutations) to normal cells in the colon or rectum cause them to grow and spread into surrounding healthy tissues.
Melanoma (skin cancer): Melanomas are an aggressive form of skin cancer that can spread to other parts of the body through the lymph system or blood. They are caused by changes in a particular type of cell in the skin. The good news is that melanoma can be prevented. If you notice any changes in your skin, have a doctor look at it promptly to see if it could be melanoma.
