Cancer is a scary word. Between the side effects, treatment process, and overall discomfort that comes with cancer treatments, it’s no wonder so many people are scared of this disease. But what’s even scarier than all of these things combined? The fact that there are so many types of cancer out there. Luckily for us, we’ve compiled a list of the most common cancers to help you be prepared should one strike your life or someone close to you! Read on and get educated about some of the most common forms of cancer.
Lung Cancer
The most common form of cancer in the world is lung cancer. It accounts for about 23% of all cancers worldwide, with most patients being current or former smokers. Despite its extremely high rate of occurrence, lung cancer has the lowest survival rates amongst all common cancers because it is usually diagnosed at a late stage.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in the world. Although it accounts for only about 12% of all cancers, it is the most common cancer amongst women and one of the leading causes of death amongst women. Breast cancer can either be invasive or non-invasive and has many subtypes, including:
Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) – This is the most common type of non-invasive breast cancer where there are abnormal cells that ‘invade’ through tissue. IBC affects about 7,000 women every year in the United States alone.
Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS) – LCIS occurs when abnormal lobules grow inside milk-producing glands.
Breast Adenocarcinoma (BAC) – This type of breast cancer is non-invasive and most commonly occurs in the milk ducts.
Mucinous Breast Cancer (MBC) – MBC accounts for about 15% of Breast Cancer and is characterized by cancer cells and mucus-forming a lump and spreading into nearby tissues.
Colloid Breast Cancer (CBC) – CBC is the rarest form of non-invasive breast cancer and accounts for less than 1% of all cases.
Coloragio IBC (Carcinoma of the Breast) -This subtype tends to occur more in black women and has a greater risk for reoccurrence after treatment, but overall has a positive prognosis.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the third most common type of cancer and accounts for around 5% percent of cancers worldwide. Most skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas or squamous cell carcinomas. Although a rare form of cancer, melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer. It typically occurs in those over 50 and strikes more men than women. Skin cancer is most common amongst those who live in areas that receive a lot of sunlight.
You can prevent skin cancer by seeking shade between the hours of 10 am-4 pm, wearing sunscreen year-round, avoiding tanning beds, and carefully checking your skin for changes throughout each month.
Depending on how severe it is, you may treat melanoma cancer through surgical excision, debridement, radiation therapy, or other forms of treatment.
