Among more than 200 different types of cancer, in the United States (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) the most frequently diagnosed cancer is breast cancer.
The next most common cancers — “common” here meaning 40,000 or more cases annually (according to 2018 data) — are lung cancer and prostate cancer.
Below is a list of the 13 most common cancers, along with the estimated number of new cases and deaths for each type. They are arranged in order from the highest to the lowest number of new cases.
1. Breast Cancer
Excluding skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women.
Estimated annual new cases:
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Women: 268,600
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Men: 2,670
Estimated annual deaths:
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Women: 41,760
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Men: 500
5-year survival rate:
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Women: 90% (2008–2014)
2. Lung Cancer (including bronchus)
The second most common cancer, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
Quitting smoking is strongly advised to reduce the risk of lung and bronchus cancers.
Estimated annual new cases: 228,150
Estimated annual deaths: 142,670
5-year survival rate: 23% (2008–2014)
3. Prostate Cancer
Typically slow-growing, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men and the second leading cause of cancer death in men.
Estimated annual new cases: 164,690
Estimated annual deaths: 29,430
5-year survival rate: 98% (2008–2014)
4. Colon and Rectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer refers to cancers found in the colon or rectum. Together, they make up the large intestine.
Estimated annual new cases: 145,600
Estimated annual deaths: 51,020
5-year survival rate: 64% (2008–2014)
5. Melanoma (Skin Cancer)
Melanoma is a cancer that begins in special cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin that gives skin its color.
Although it usually occurs on the skin, melanoma can also appear in the eye and other pigmented tissues.
Estimated annual new cases: 96,480
Estimated annual deaths: 7,230
5-year survival rate: 92% (2008–2014)
6. Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer usually occurs in older adults and is more common in men than in women.
Estimated annual new cases: 80,470
Estimated annual deaths: 17,670
5-year survival rate: 77% (2008–2014)
7. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system. It appears as tumors formed from a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes.
Estimated annual new cases: 74,200
Estimated annual deaths: 19,970
5-year survival rate: 71% (2008–2014)
8. Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell and Renal Pelvis)
The most common form of kidney cancer is renal cell carcinoma, which typically develops as a tumor in one kidney.
Renal pelvis cancer occurs in the kidney’s pelvis or ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder).
Estimated annual new cases: 73,820
Estimated annual deaths: 14,770
5-year survival rate: 75% (2008–2014)
9. Endometrial Cancer
There are two main types of uterine cancer: endometrial cancer (more common) and uterine sarcoma (rare).
Estimated annual new cases: 61,880
Estimated annual deaths: 12,160
5-year survival rate: 84% (2008–2014)
10. Leukemia (All Types)
Leukemia is a type of cancer that begins in the blood-forming tissues of the bone marrow.
It results in an abnormal overproduction of white blood cells in the blood and bone marrow, displacing normal blood cells. This disrupts oxygen transport, infection-fighting ability, and blood clotting.
Estimated annual new cases: 61,780
Estimated annual deaths: 22,840
5-year survival rate: 61.4% (2008–2014)
11. Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer begins in the pancreas and quickly spreads to surrounding organs.
Estimated annual new cases: 56,770
Estimated annual deaths: 45,750
5-year survival rate: 9% (2008–2014)
12. Thyroid Cancer
While anaplastic thyroid cancer is difficult to treat, other types such as follicular, medullary, and papillary (the most common type) can often be successfully treated.
Estimated annual new cases: 52,070
Estimated annual deaths: 2,170
5-year survival rate: Nearly 100% (2008–2014)
13. Liver and Intrahepatic Bile Duct Cancer
Liver cancers include hepatocellular carcinoma (the most common), bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma), and hepatoblastoma.
Risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma include liver cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis B or C infection.
Estimated annual new cases: 42,030
Estimated annual deaths: 31,780
5-year survival rate: 18% (2008–2014)
What is the 5-year survival rate?
The 5-year survival rate shows the percentage of people with a certain cancer who live 5 years or more compared to people in the general population without cancer.
It’s important to remember that each person is different, and responses to treatment vary. These statistics are based on large population studies, so they cannot predict an individual’s outcome.
Summary
In the United States, the 13 most common cancers represent about 71.5% of all annual new cancer cases (2018), out of nearly 200 different types of cancer.
If you or a loved one has symptoms that might indicate cancer, consult a doctor immediately.
According to the World Health Organization, early detection of cancer greatly increases the chance of successful treatment.