Cancer is a devastating disease that impacts millions of people worldwide each year. Understanding the most frequently occurring cancers and their characteristics can help guide research, screening, and treatment efforts.
Skin Cancer is the Most Common Cancer Overall
When looking at cancer prevalence across all age groups and demographics, skin cancer is by far the most common type of cancer diagnosed each year. According to the American Cancer Society, over 5 million skin cancer cases are diagnosed annually in the United States alone. This accounts for nearly half of all cancer diagnoses.
The two most common forms of skin cancer are:
- Basal cell carcinoma – This accounts for approximately 80% of skin cancer cases. It rarely spreads to other parts of the body and is highly treatable if caught early.
- Squamous cell carcinoma – This makes up around 20% of skin cancer cases. It has a higher risk of spreading than basal cell and can become disfiguring if not treated promptly.
The prevalence of skin cancer is attributed to several factors. Exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds is a major risk factor. People with lighter skin tones are also at increased risk. Skin cancer tends to occur in areas of the body that receive more sun exposure, like the face, neck, balding scalp, hands, and arms.
Lung Cancer is the Most Common Invasive Cancer
While skin cancers are incredibly common, most cases are relatively minor and highly curable. When looking at invasive cancer types that can extensively spread and become fatal, lung cancer tops the list as the most common.
According to the World Health Organization, lung cancer accounts for over 2 million cases globally per year. In the United States, the American Cancer Society estimates there are approximately 235,000 new cases of lung cancer diagnosed each year, representing about 13% of all cancer diagnoses.
Lung cancer is also the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Each year, lung cancer claims approximately 1.8 million lives around the world. The five-year survival rate for lung cancer patients is only around 15%, much lower than that of most other cancers.
The main risk factors for lung cancer include:
- Smoking – Around 80-90% of lung cancer cases occur in smokers.
- Secondhand smoke – Exposure to cigarette smoke from others can also increase lung cancer risk.
- Radon gas – This radioactive gas can accumulate in homes and increase lung cancer risk, especially in smokers.
- Carcinogens – Substances like asbestos, arsenic, diesel exhaust, and certain chemicals are linked to increased lung cancer risk.
With lung cancer’s high mortality and prevalence, particularly in developed countries, finding ways to control its main risk factors including smoking is a major public health priority.
Breast Cancer is the Most Common Cancer in Women
When looking specifically at cancer prevalence by gender, breast cancer is by far the most commonly occurring cancer among women worldwide.
According to GLOBOCAN estimates, over 2.3 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. It accounts for nearly 25% of all cancers in women.
In the United States, breast cancer comprises approximately 30% of all new cancer cases among women per year. The American Cancer Society projects there will be nearly 290,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in women in 2022.
Some factors that increase breast cancer risk include:
- Gender – Female gender is the main risk factor
- Genetics – Inherited mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes increase risk
- Family history – Having a close relative with breast cancer raises risk
- Reproductive history – Early period onset, late menopause, not having children, and older age at first birth increase risk
- Radiation exposure – Prior chest radiation therapy can raise chances of developing breast cancer
- Hormone therapy – Taking combined estrogen plus progestin menopausal hormone therapy heightens risk
- Alcohol – Regular moderate to heavy alcohol consumption boosts breast cancer risk
- Obesity – Postmenopausal women who are overweight or obese have a higher breast cancer risk
While some risk factors like family history cannot be changed, controlling modifiable risks like alcohol intake and obesity can help lower breast cancer risk. Early screening and detection are also critical for improving breast cancer prognosis.
Prostate Cancer is the Most Common Cancer in Men
Looking at gender differences, prostate cancer is overwhelmingly the most frequently diagnosed cancer type in men worldwide.
GLOBOCAN data indicates over 1.4 million men are diagnosed with prostate cancer globally on an annual basis. This represents about 15% of all cancers detected in the male population each year.
In the United States, the American Cancer Society projects there will be around 269,000 new cases of prostate cancer in 2022. This makes up about 21% of all new cancer cases among American men this year.
Some factors associated with increased prostate cancer risk include:
- Age – Risk rises substantially after age 50
- Family history – Having a brother or father with prostate cancer doubles risk
- Gene changes – Inherited mutations in BRCA1/2, HOXB13, and other genes increase risk
- Race – Prostate cancer is more common in African American men
- Diet – High calcium and high-fat dairy product consumption may increase risk
- Obesity – Obese men diagnosed with prostate cancer may have faster progression
Prostate cancer generally grows very slowly, so many men can live for years without noticeable symptoms. Discussing screening tests like prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests with your doctor, especially after age 50, can help catch prostate cancer in its early stages when treatment is most effective.
Colorectal Cancer Ranks Third Most Common
Taking the third spot for most frequently diagnosed cancer types is colorectal cancer. This refers to cancers affecting the colon and rectum.
Per GLOBOCAN, over 1.9 million cases of colorectal cancer occur annually across the globe. In the United States, the American Cancer Society projects there will be approximately 106,000 new cases of colon cancer and 45,000 cases of rectal cancer in 2022.
Colorectal cancer accounts for about 8% of all cancer cases in the U.S. each year. While not as common as lung, breast, and prostate cancers, colorectal cancer still causes significant mortality with over 50,000 deaths per year in America alone.
Some known risk factors for colorectal cancer are:
- Age – Risk rises substantially after age 50
- Family history – Having close relatives diagnosed with colorectal cancer increases risk
- Chronic inflammation – Ongoing inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis raise colorectal cancer risk
- Lifestyle factors – Diets high in red/processed meats, smoking, heavy alcohol use, and obesity increase risk
- Genetic syndromes – Inherited conditions like Lynch syndrome also make colorectal cancer more likely
Getting screened for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45 for average-risk adults allows premalignant polyps to be found and removed early before they become cancerous. Leading a healthy lifestyle can further reduce colorectal cancer risk.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is Also Common
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma refers to a diverse group of blood cancers that affect the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. This category encompasses many specific lymphoma subtypes.
Globally, over 510,000 cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma are diagnosed each year. It accounts for approximately 3% of all cancers.
In the United States, non-Hodgkin lymphoma represents about 4% of new cancer cases per year. The American Cancer Society projects nearly 81,000 new cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma to be diagnosed in 2022.
While less common than other major cancers, non-Hodgkin lymphoma still ranks among the top ten most frequently diagnosed cancer types. Some recognized risk factors include:
- Weakened immune system – HIV/AIDS, organ transplant, and autoimmune disease patients have increased risk
- Infections – Epstein-Barr virus, H. pylori, hepatitis C, and other infections are associated with higher risk
- Older age – Risk rises progressively after age 60
- Chemical exposures – Certain herbicides and solvents may raise risk
- Genetic factors – Family history and inherited mutations can increase lymphoma risk
Many lymphoma cases do not have an identifiable cause. Continuing research on environmental and genetic risk factors can help provide insight on disease prevention.
Bladder Cancer Ranks Fifth in Prevalence
Ranking as the fifth most frequently diagnosed cancer type worldwide is bladder cancer. The global incidence of bladder cancer is approximately 575,000 cases per year.
In the United States, bladder cancer accounts for around 4% of new cancer cases annually. The American Cancer Society projects about 81,000 new cases of bladder cancer will be diagnosed in 2022.
Bladder cancer occurs about four times more often in men than women. The biggest risk factor by far is smoking, accounting for approximately half of cases in both men and women. Other bladder cancer risk factors include:
- Age – Risk increases as people get older
- Gender – More common in men than women
- Smoking – Cigarette smoking is the #1 risk factor for bladder cancer
- Chemical exposures – Painters, machinists, and others working with certain chemicals are at increased risk
- Chronic bladder irritation – Parasitic infections, bladder stones, and long-term catheter use may raise risk
- Personal history – Having other urinary tract cancers increases risk of bladder cancer
Early detection of bladder cancer leads to high five-year survival rates, as most diagnosed cases have not yet spread. However, the recurrent nature of bladder cancer necessitates ongoing monitoring.
Thyroid Cancer Completes the Top 10
Rounding out the list of the ten most common cancer types worldwide is thyroid cancer.
Thyroid cancer represents about 3% of all cancers diagnosed annually. GLOBOCAN estimates around 567,000 thyroid cancer cases occur globally each year.
In the U.S., thyroid cancer accounts for approximately 3% of new cancer diagnoses per year. The American Cancer Society expects around 45,000 new cases of thyroid cancer in 2022.
Some risk factors linked to thyroid cancer include:
- Gender – Diagnosed 2-3 times more often in women
- Radiation exposure – Exposure to x-rays or radiation therapy on the neck/chest region during childhood increases risk later in life
- Heredity – Family history of thyroid cancer raises risk
- Overactive thyroid – Conditions causing overstimulation of the thyroid like Graves’ disease are associated with increased risk
- Diet low in iodine – Iodine deficiency seems to increase thyroid cancer risk
Fortunately, most cases of thyroid cancer are curable, especially when found early. Following an optimal thyroid cancer screening strategy based on your individual risk profile can help facilitate early diagnosis.
Key Statistics on the Most Common Cancers Worldwide
Reviewing the available data from globally reputable cancer organizations reveals the cancers with the highest incidence rates worldwide and within certain populations.
Here is a summary table of key statistics on the most frequently diagnosed cancer types across the globe and in the United States:
| Cancer Type | Estimated Global Cases Per Year | Estimated % of All Cancers | Estimated U.S. Cases Per Year | Estimated % of U.S. Cancer Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin cancer | Over 5 million | Nearly 50% | Over 5 million | Nearly 50% |
| Lung cancer | Over 2 million | Nearly 12% | 235,000 | 13% |
| Breast cancer (women) | Over 2.3 million | Nearly 25% in women | 290,000 | 30% in women |
| Prostate cancer (men) | Over 1.4 million | 15% in men | 269,000 | 21% in men |
| Colorectal cancer | Over 1.9 million | About 10% | 151,000 | 8% |
| Non-Hodgkin lymphoma | Over 510,000 | About 3% | 81,000 | 4% |
| Bladder cancer | Over 575,000 | About 3% | 81,000 | 4% |
| Thyroid cancer | 567,000 | 3% | 45,000 | 3% |
While skin cancer has the highest prevalence overall, lung cancer and breast cancer in women are responsible for the greatest number of cancer deaths each year. Prostate cancer and colorectal cancer are also leading contributors to cancer incidence and mortality statistics worldwide.
Conclusion
Reviewing global cancer statistical data shows skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer, though it has a very high survival rate. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, followed by cancers of the breast, prostate, colon, rectum, and liver. The reasons for high incidence rates of certain cancers are multifactorial. Continuing public health efforts targeting major modifiable risk factors including smoking cessation, healthy diets, regular exercise, and early screening/detection will be paramount to reducing the burden of common cancers worldwide.