Most Common Cancers

What Cancer Diagnosis Are the Most Common?

Did you know that one in three people will develop cancer at some point in their lives?

And there's a good chance the diagnosis will include one of the most common types: breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, skin cancer, or bladder cancer.

In this guide, our experts at St. John's Health detail the risk factors and symptoms of these diseases.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in men and women, accounting for about 40% of all new cases each year. This disease is a top cause of cancer death, responsible for about 50% of all who perish due to the condition each year. The good news is that skin cancer death rates have declined due to early detection, improved treatment options, and increased awareness of sunscreen use.

Symptoms of skin cancer include new or changing moles, dark spots that keep getting bigger, and patches of skin that feel scaly or bleed. Risk factors for skin cancer include fair skin, a family history of the disease, and excessive sun exposure.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, accounting for nearly 30% of new cases each year. About 12% of women will develop the disease during their lifetimes.

Common symptoms of breast cancer can include a lump in the breast, swelling or redness in the area of the tumor, pain in the breast, nipple discharge other than breast milk, and a change in the size or shape of the breast.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both sexes, accounting for about 25% of new cases each year. It's also the leading cause of cancer death, claiming the lives of about 27% of all cases each year. It is worth noting that lung cancer death rates have declined due to an overall decrease in smoking and a general change in societal acceptance of tobacco use.

Lung cancer symptoms can include coughing up blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, and hoarseness. Most people develop lung cancer by smoking, but exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas, asbestos, or air pollution may also cause the disease.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both genders, accounting for about 11% of new cases each year. This disease is also the second leading cause of cancer death, responsible for about 13% of all fatal cases each year.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer can include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.

Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men and women, accounting for about 11% of all new cases each year.

Common indicators of bladder cancer can include blood in the urine, pain while urinating, an urgent need to urinate, and pain in the lower back.

Oncology Services in Jackson, WY

Are you experiencing any of the symptoms we've mentioned in this guide? If so, it is crucial to schedule an appointment with our expert oncology team at St. John's Health as soon as possible.