The American Cancer Society estimates that 11 million Americans are currently living with some type of cancer. With roughly 1,735,350 new cancer cases and 609,640 cancer deaths in the U.S. each year, many forms of cancer are considered quite rare. However, the following are considered the most commonly diagnosed forms of cancer in North America:
1. Non-melanoma skin cancer
Considered the most common type of cancer in the U.S., non-melanoma skin cancers (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) account for approximately 3 million American cancer cases annually, with basal cell carcinoma accounting for the majority 80% of cases. Roughly 2,000 people die from basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer annually. When it comes to developing skin cancer, fair skinned caucasian individuals are considered at highest risk, although skin cancer can develop on all types of skin, and on almost any part of the body that’s been over-exposed to harmful UV rays. Skin cancer is also common in patients with compromised immune systems, which is why sun protection (i.e., sunscreen, hats, long sleeves, and seeking shade) is your best ally in safeguarding against non-melanoma skin cancers.
2. Lung cancer
Lung cancer is considered among the top cancers, claiming roughly 158,000, or 27% of American lives annually. Even though more men tend to be diagnosed with lung cancer, surprisingly it’s lung cancer and not breast cancer that has become the leading cause of female cancer deaths in the U.S. Lung cancer develops in two main types (non-small cell and small cell lung cancer) and grows on the inner lining of the lungs. Not surprisingly, smoking is considered the main cause of small cell and non-small cell lung cancer development in both men and women, and accounts for around 80% of lung cancer deaths.
3. Breast cancer
Breast cancer affects roughly 1 in 8 American women, accounting for over 266,000 invasive breast cancer diagnosis and over 63,000 non-invasive breast cancer cases annually. Even though breast cancer is considered a female cancer, 1,900 male breast cancer diagnoses are reported yearly. Age is considered a risk factor for women 40-years and older, however, females 70-years and older are considered the most high risk group. Race is another contributing factor, with highest rates among caucasian women in the U.S., according to research from the National Cancer Institute.
4. Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer develops in the inner tissues of the male reproductive gland, which is situated right below the bladder, near the rectum. Many men develop a cancerous (or malignant) tumor in the prostate, which then grows and spreads (or metastasizes) to nearby tissues and organs.
Considered the most prevalent male cancer in the U.S. (with almost 12% of men diagnosed in their lifetime), prostate cancer strikes roughly 192,200 new patients yearly. While prostate cancer mainly strikes males over 50-years old, when caught in the early stages, cancer treatment is typically very successful.
5. Colorectal cancer
The American Cancer Society claims that colorectal cancer, which is made up of cancers of the colon and rectum, makes up roughly 145,000 cancer cases yearly. Colorectal cancer affects men and women equally, claiming 4.2% of both genders. Colorectal cancer strikes either the colon, a portion of the large intestine responsible for breaking down (digesting) food, or the rectum, which sits near the anus at the end of the large intestine. Individuals most prone to colorectal cancer are those with some from of inflammatory bowel disease (i.e., Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), smoking, poor diet, or patients with a history of adenomatous polyps (or adenomas).
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