Common Types of Cancer

Though there are more than 200 different types of cancer, most are incredibly rare — affecting only a few hundred people across the world. Consequently, some cancers are also quite common (“common” cancers are those with more than 40,000 reported cases each year).

Below are some of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in America, as well as a few ways you can reduce your risk of them.

Skin (Melanoma) Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. But while it’s the most common, it also has the highest 5-year survival rate, as it’s relatively easy to treat if found in its earliest stage.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in American women. Each year, nearly 300,000 women and 3,000 men are diagnosed with the disease. Between 2008 and 2014, the survival rate for women with breast cancer hit an all-time high of 90-percent.

The best way for women to lower their chances of breast cancer is to get screened annually, after their 40th birthday.

Lung Cancer

Despite a recent drop in the number of smokers in America, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death.

Prostate Cancer

As the most common cancer in men, prostate cancer is relatively slow-growing. If found in its earliest stage, men with prostate cancer have a 98-percent 5-year survival rate.

Colon and Rectal Cancer

Often referred to as colorectal cancer, this refers to cancers found in the large intestine. You can significantly reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by getting screened according to the American Cancer Society’s guidelines.

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system. Typically, tumors develop from a type of white blood.

Leukemia

Leukemia is one of the most common cancers among children and teens. Typically, it begins in the blood-forming tissue of bone marrow. Leukemia is an aggressive type of cancer that causes white blood cells to multiply uncontrollably. With enough time, these blood cells build up in the blood and bone marrow, forcing out normal blood cells.