Cancer is a pervasive disease that afflicts millions of people around the world, manifesting in various forms. While there are more than 100 distinct types of cancer, some are more prevalent than others. In this post, we will delve into the most common types of cancer, examining their risk factors, symptoms, possible treatments, and prevention strategies.
It is important to note that having one or more of the following risk factors or symptoms does not mean that a person will develop cancer. Many people with one or more risk factors or symptoms never develop the disease, and some people who do develop cancer have no known risk factors. It is always important to speak with a healthcare professional about any concerns. By gaining a deeper understanding of the various types of cancer and the methods by which they can be treated, we can better equip ourselves and our loved ones to defend against the disease. Here’s what you need to know about the 10 *most common types of cancer in the U.S. in 2022:
*Common Cancer Types was originally published by the National Cancer Institute.
1. Breast Cancer
In 2022, breast cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, with an estimated *287,850 new cases in women and 2,710 new cases in men.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among young women and the second most common cause of cancer death in women.
Risk Factors:
- Being female: Brest Cancer is much more common in women than men.
- Increasing age.
- Family history: A person’s risk of developing breast cancer may be higher if they have a close relative who has had the disease.
- Certain genetic mutations: Certain mutations, such as those that occur in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, can increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Hormone exposure: Exposure to certain hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, may increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Lifestyle: Certain lifestyle factors can increase the risk of developing breast cancer, such as alcohol consumption, being overweight or obese, and insufficient physical activity.
Signs and Symptoms:
- A lump in the breast: This is the most common symptom of breast cancer. The lump may feel hard and irregular. It is important to note that not all breast lumps are cancerous, and it is crucial to have any breast lump checked by a healthcare professional.
- Changes in the shape or size of the breast: The breast may change shape or size, or become swollen or tender.
- Changes in the skin or nipple: Breast cancer may cause changes in the skin of the breast, such as redness or thickening, or changes in the nipple, such as discharge or inverted nipple.
2. Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide and is most commonly caused by smoking. In 2022, there were an estimated *236,740 new lung cancer diagnoses.
Risk Factors:
- Smoking: Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and is responsible for approximately 85% of all cases.
- Exposure to secondhand smoke: Breathing in secondhand smoke can also increase the risk of lung cancer.
- Exposure to certain substances: Working with or being exposed to certain substances, such as asbestos, radon, and certain chemicals, may increase the risk of lung cancer.
- Family history of lung cancer.
Signs and Symptoms:
- A persistent cough: This is the most common symptom of lung cancer, and it may be accompanied by phlegm (mucus) or blood.
- Chest pain: Lung cancer may cause chest pain that gets worse with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing.
- Shortness of breath.
- Hoarseness.
- Unintended Weight loss.
- Weakness or fatigue.
3. Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men and is typically diagnosed in men over the age of 50. There were approximately *268,490 new diagnoses of prostate cancer in 2022.
The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system that produces a fluid that helps to nourish and protect sperm. Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the prostate gland grow and multiply out of control.
Risk Factors:
- Increasing age.
- Family history of prostate cancer.
- Being African American: African American men are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer than men of other racial or ethnic groups.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Difficulty urinating: Prostate cancer may cause difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine or a weak urine stream.
- Pain or burning during urination.
- Blood in the urine.
4. Colon and Rectal Cancer (Colorectal Cancer)
Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer or rectal cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the colon and rectum. It is the third most common type of cancer worldwide and is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 50. There were *151,030 new diagnoses in 2022.
Risk Factors:
- Increasing age.
- Family history of colorectal cancer.
- Certain genetic conditions: Certain genetic conditions, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), may increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Certain lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle factors, such as a diet high in red and processed meats, being overweight or obese, and not getting enough physical activity, may also increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Changes in bowel habits: Colorectal cancer may cause changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, or a feeling of incomplete bowel movement.
- Blood in the stool.
- Abdominal pain.
- Unexplained weight loss.
5. Melanoma
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that starts in the cells that produce pigment (color) in the skin. It is less common than other types of skin cancer, but it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body and can be more serious. Melanoma is most commonly diagnosed in people with fair skin, but it can occur in people with any skin type. There were an estimated *99,780 new cases in 2022.
Risk Factors:
- Increasing age.
- Fair skin.
- Personal history of melanoma.
- Family history of melanoma.
- Excessive sun exposure: Sun exposure is the main cause of melanoma, and people who spend a lot of time in the sun or who use tanning beds are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
Signs and Symptoms:
- A new mole.
- A mole that looks different.
- A sore that does not heal.
6. Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that affects the bladder. It is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 55, and it is more common in men than in women. There were an estimated *81,180 new cases in 2022.
Risk Factors:
- Increasing age.
- Smoking.
- Exposure to certain substances: Working with or being exposed to certain substances, such as certain chemicals, dyes, and leather products, may increase the risk of bladder cancer.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Blood in the urine.
- Pain during urination.
- Frequent urination.
- Lower back pain.
7. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. The lymphatic system is made up of a network of vessels, organs, and tissues that help to fight infection and disease. NHL is a cancer of the lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. There are several types of NHL, and it is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 60.
There were an estimated *80,470 new cases in 2022.
Risk Factors:
- Increasing age.
- Weakened immune system: People with a weakened immune system, such as those with HIV/AIDS or those who have received an organ transplant, are at a higher risk of developing NHL.
- Exposure to certain substances: Working with or being exposed to certain substances, such as certain chemicals, pesticides, and certain medications, may increase the risk of NHL.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Swelling in the lymph nodes.
- Fever.
- Night sweats.
- Fatigue.
8. Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the kidneys, which filter waste and excess fluids from the body. It is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 50, and it is more common in men than in women. There were an estimated *79,000 new cases in 2022.
Risk Factors:
- Increasing age.
- Smoking.
- High blood pressure.
- Certain genetic conditions: Certain genetic conditions, such as von Hippel-Lindau disease and hereditary leiomyomatosis, and renal cell cancer (HLRCC), may increase the risk of kidney cancer.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Blood in the urine.
- Pain in the side or lower back.
- Mass or lump in the abdomen.
- Unexplained weight loss.
9. Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the uterus (womb), which is called the endometrium. It is most commonly diagnosed in women over the age of 50, and it is the most common type of uterine cancer. There were an estimated *65,950 new cases in 2022.
Risk Factors:
- Increasing age.
- Obesity.
- Estrogen therapy: Women who use estrogen therapy without also using progesterone may be at an increased risk of endometrial cancer.
- Tamoxifen use: Women who use tamoxifen, a medication used to treat breast cancer, may be at an increased risk of endometrial cancer.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge.
- Pelvic pain.
- Pain during sex.
10. Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that affects the pancreas, which is a gland located in the upper abdomen that produces hormones and enzymes that help to digest food. It is one of the most aggressive and deadly types of cancer, and it is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 60. There were an estimated *62,210 new cases in 2022.
Risk Factors:
- Increasing age.
- Smoking: Smoking is the leading cause of pancreatic cancer, and people who smoke are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
- Family history of pancreatic cancer.
- Certain genetic conditions: Certain genetic conditions, such as hereditary pancreatitis and BRCA2 gene mutations, may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Pain in the upper abdomen.
- Weight loss.
- Jaundice: Pancreatic cancer may cause jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.
- Nausea and vomiting.
Treatment Options
There are many different treatment options for cancer, and the best course of treatment will depend on the individual circumstances of the patient, including the type and stage of their cancer, as well as the patient's overall health and preferences.
Some common treatment options for cancer include:
- Surgery: Surgery is a treatment that involves removing the cancerous tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue. It is often the first line of treatment for many types of cancer.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be used in conjunction with surgery and/or radiation therapy.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. It may also be used in conjunction with surgery and/or chemotherapy.
- Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy is a treatment that blocks the action of hormones that can stimulate the growth of cancer cells. It is often used for cancers that are hormone receptor-positive (meaning that the cancer cells have receptors for hormones such as estrogen and progesterone).
- Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy is a treatment that targets specific proteins or genes in cancer cells that help them grow and survive. It may be used in conjunction with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer cells. It may be used in conjunction with other treatments.
It is important to note that cancer treatment can be complex and may involve a combination of these and other treatments. It is always important to speak with a healthcare professional about the best treatment options for an individual patient.
Prevention Strategies
Several strategies can help to reduce the risk of cancer, including:
- Not smoking: Smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide, and it is a major risk factor for many types of cancer. Quitting smoking can greatly reduce the risk of cancer.
- Eating a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in red and processed meats, can help to reduce the risk of cancer.
- Staying physically active: Regular physical activity can help to reduce the risk of cancer, as well as many other chronic diseases.
- Protecting the skin from the sun: Excessive sun exposure is a major risk factor for skin cancer, and protecting the skin from the sun can help to reduce the risk of this disease. This can include wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade when the sun is strongest.
- Getting vaccinated: Some vaccines, such as the HPV vaccine, can help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
- Avoiding or limiting exposure to certain substances: Some substances, such as certain chemicals, pesticides, and certain medications, may increase the risk of cancer. Limiting exposure to these substances can help to reduce the risk of cancer.
- Getting screened for cancer: Some cancers, such as breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer, can be detected early through screening tests, which can improve the chances of successful treatment.
Early detection and treatment of cancer can greatly improve the chances of survival. If you have any questions or concerns about the possibility of cancer, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional.