The 13 Most Common Types of Cancer

Of the more than 200 different types of cancers that have been identified, the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers) is breast cancer.

The next most common — “common” measured at 40,000 or more cases per year (2018) — are lung cancer and prostate cancer.

Below is the list of the 13 most common cancers, with estimates of new cases and deaths for each type. They are listed in order from highest to lowest of estimated new cases.

1. Breast cancer

After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in American women.

Estimated annual new cases:

• Women: 268,600
• Man: 2,670

Estimated annual deaths:

• Women: 41,760
• Man: 500

5-year survival rate:

• Women: 90 percent (2008-2014)

2. Lung cancer (including bronchus)

The second most common cancer, lung cancer, is the leading cause of cancer death.

To reduce the risk of lung and bronchial cancer, it is recommended that you stop smoking.

• estimated new cases per year: 228,150
• estimated annual deaths: 142,670
• 5-year survival rate: 23 percent (2008-2014)

3. Prostate cancer

Slow-growing prostate cancer is generally the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among American men.

• estimated new cases per year: 164,690
• estimated annual deaths: 29,430
• 5-year survival rate: 98 percent (2008-2014)

4. Colon and rectal cancer

Colorectal cancer refers to cancers found in the colon or rectum. Together they form the large intestine.

• estimated new cases per year: 145,600
• estimated annual deaths: 51,020
• 5-year survival rate: 64 percent (2008-2014)

5. Melanoma (skin)

Melanoma is a cancer that begins in specialized cells that make up the pigment that gives skin color (melanin).

While most common on the skin, melanomas can also form in the eye and other pigmented tissues.

• estimated new cases per year: 96,480
• estimated annual deaths: 7,230
• 5-year survival rate: 92% (2008-2014)

6. Bladder cancer

Bladder cancer generally affects older adults and occurs more often in men than in women.

• estimated new cases per year: 80,470
• estimated annual deaths: 17,670
• 5-year survival rate: 77 percent (2008-2014)

7. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. It is characterized by tumors that develop from a type of white blood cell known as lymphocytes.

• estimated new cases per year: 74,200
• estimated annual deaths: 19,970
• 5-year survival rate: 71 percent (2008-2014)

8. Kidney cancer (renal cells and renal pelvis)

The most common type of kidney cancer is renal cell carcinoma, which commonly develops in a kidney as a single tumor.

Renal pelvic cancer forms in the pelvis of the kidney or in the ureter, the tube that carries urine to the bladder from the kidney.

• estimated new cases per year: 73,820
• estimated annual deaths: 14,770
• 5-year survival rate: 75 percent (2008-2014)

9. Endometrial cancer

There are two types of uterine cancer. Endometrial cancer is common, while uterine sarcoma is rare.

• estimated new cases per year: 61,880
• estimated annual deaths: 12,160
• 5-year survival rate:84 percent (2008—2014)

10. Leukemia (all types)

Leukemias are cancers that start in the bone marrow tissue that forms blood.

These cancers are characterized by a large number of abnormal white blood cells that build up in the blood and bone marrow to a point where they displace normal blood cells. This makes it difficult for the body to distribute oxygen to its tissues, fight infections and control bleeding.

• estimated new cases per year: 61.780
• estimated annual deaths: 22,840
• 5-year survival rate: 61.4 percent (2008-2014)

11. Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer starts in the pancreas and usually spreads quickly to other nearby organs.

• estimated new cases per year: 56,770
• estimated annual deaths: 45,750
• 5-year survival rate: 9 percent (2008-2014)

12. Thyroid cancer

While anaplastic thyroid cancer is difficult to cure, follicular, medullary thyroid cancer, and the most common type of thyroid cancer, papillary thyroid cancer, can generally be treated effectively with positive results.

• estimated new cases per year: 52,070
• estimated annual deaths: 2,170
• 5-year survival rate: close to 100 percent (2008-2014)

13. Intrahepatic liver and biliary tract cancer

Liver cancer includes hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type, bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma), and hepatoblastoma.

Risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma include cirrhosis of the liver and chronic hepatitis B or C infection.

• estimated new cases per year: 42,030
• estimated annual deaths: 31,780
• 5-year survival rate: 18 percent (2008-2014)

Source: www.healthline.com

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