Cancer refers to a group of diseases involving the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells anywhere in the body. It is one of the deadliest diseases. Although there are over a hundred types of cancer, some are more common than others. Symptoms primarily depend on the form of cancer an individual has developed. If detected in the early stages, certain cancers may be curable. Keep reading to learn about the most common types of cancer.

1. Skin cancer
This is the most common type of cancer. Skin cancer is mainly divided into two categories: non-melanoma and melanoma. Affecting millions of people in the country each year, non-melanoma skin cancer is more common. It mainly includes basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer. The majority of non-melanoma cancers are curable. Melanoma, on the other hand, is the leading cause of cancer deaths. Though it accounts for a very small percentage of people with skin cancer, it is responsible for more than 75% of all skin cancer deaths.

2. Lung cancer
Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer. Smoking cigarettes is the biggest risk factor for this condition. However, exposure to secondhand smoke, certain chemicals, and other factors can also contribute to lung cancer. Symptoms of lung cancer are usually observed only after cancer has spread and reached an advanced stage. Some common symptoms include persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, hoarseness, and shortness of breath. Lung cancer treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, and radiation therapy.

3. Breast cancer
After skin cancer, this is the most common type of cancer in women. However, breast cancer can also affect men. Some common signs and symptoms include a lump in the breast or the armpit, changes in breast size, shape, or appearance, a sunken or inverted nipple, and pain in the breast area or nipple.

4. Prostate cancer
This is one of the most common types of cancer in men. It begins in the prostate, a small gland that is a part of the male reproductive system. The causes of the condition are unknown, but growing older is one of the biggest risk factors of prostate cancer. Potential symptoms include trouble starting or holding back urine, blood in the urine or seminal fluid, erectile dysfunction, and pain in the pelvic area. Prostate cancer can be successfully treated if detected and treated early.

5. Colorectal cancer
This is cancer that begins in the colon or the rectum. Since these organs are a part of the digestive system, all symptoms in the early stages are digestive problems. These include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain or cramps, excessive gas, stool discoloration, and blood in the stool. Some risk factors of the condition include being over 50 years old, a history of colon polyps or bowel disease, and a family history of colorectal cancer.