Cancer is one of the most feared and deadly diseases in the world that leads to the death of millions of people each year. Some cancer types are more common than others. They can however be treated if detected at an early stage. In the following article, we will discuss the 5 most common cancer types, namely breast, lung, colon, rectum, and prostate cancer. Learning more about these common cancers, their symptoms, and how they may be detected early.
Also Read:- 7 Types of Cancer Explained: What You Need to Know
Top 5 Most Common Types of Cancer
1. Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world and affects both men and women, though it is much more common in women. It forms in the breast cells, mostly appearing as a mass or lump. Early detection through self-examinations and mammograms is highly essential, especially among women over 40 years old or those who have had a history of the disease within their families.
Symptoms – Changes in the size or shape of the breast, nipple discharge, or skin dimpling.
Treatment – The breast cancer common treatments involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and even hormone therapy.
2. Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths globally. While most lung cancers are caused by smoking, people who do not smoke can also be afflicted with the disease due to factors such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, or chemicals they are exposed to. Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to pollutants greatly reduces the chances of lung cancer.
Symptoms – Persistent cough, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. These symptoms often do not appear until the cancer is advanced.
Treatment – Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy all may be used in treatment.
3. Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers through regular screening. It typically begins as small noncancerous clumps of cells called polyps that can transform into cancer over time. Prevention primarily involves colonoscopies that allow the doctors to detect and remove the polyps before they become cancerous.
Symptoms – Changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, and unexplained weight loss, though some may exhibit no symptoms at all.
Treatment – The treatment typically consists of surgery in which the cancerous portion of the colon is removed and followed up by chemotherapy or radiation.
4. Rectum Cancer
Rectal cancer is a type of colorectal cancer involving the last few inches of the digestive tract. The risks for rectum cancer are the same as for colon cancer, so these two conditions are often discussed together. Its symptoms are similar. Screening tests, such as colonoscopies, are important in detecting rectal cancer early.
Symptoms – Blood is seen in stool; changes in bowel habits; the sensation that bowel movements are incomplete.
Treatment – Surgery is the primary treatment, though radiation and chemotherapy are often also used to reduce the size of the tumour before surgery or to eliminate microscopic cancer cells after. Healthy nutrition and physical exercise reduce the risk of colon cancer and rectum cancer.
5. Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is quite common in males above 50 years. It begins in the prostate gland, which creates seminal fluids. Most men with prostate cancer have no signs of prostate cancer at early stages, which makes proper screening very crucial. The most widely used screening test is the PSA blood test.
Symptoms – Difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, or lower back pain.
Treatment– The majority of prostate cancers are slow-growing. In a few cases, no therapy will be necessary. Other alternatives in more aggressive forms include surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy.
Also Read:- What Is Cancer? A Simple Guide to Understand the Disease
Treatment of Cancer
Depending on the type and stage of the disease, various treatments are applied. Common treatment options include:
- Surgery: Surgery is quite often the first step of treatment. The tumour or the cancerous tissue is surgically removed. In some cases, this is the only treatment if the disease is detected early.
- Chemotherapy: It involves powerful drugs that can destroy or suppress the growth of cancerous cells. Chemotherapy is usually and traditionally used in combination with either surgery or radiation.
- Radiation Therapy: The rays, having high energies, are used to destroy cancerous cells. It is always acceptable to be applied alone or in combination with any other treatment such as surgery or chemotherapy.
- Targeted Therapy: This is a new method that involves targeting specific molecules in the cancer cells so that they can’t grow or multiply. Targeted therapies can be less damaging to healthy cells than traditional treatments like chemotherapy.
- Immunotherapy: This enables the immune system of the body to detect and eliminate the cancerous cells.
How to Detect Cancer Early?
Early detection improves the chances of survival from cancer to a very great extent. Many cancers become relatively easier to treat when diagnosed early. The following are some of the key methods of early detection of cancer:
- Routine Check-up: Depending on your age and risk factors, your doctors might recommend specific screenings, including a mammogram for breast cancer, colonoscopy for colon cancer, or PSA for prostate cancer.
- Self-tests: Self-examinations are useful in the early detection of lumps or abnormalities in certain cancers, such as breast cancer. Regularly checking your body for unusual changes is a good practice.
- Pay Attention to Symptoms: Some symptoms of cancers, such as unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or changes in bowel habits, are easily ignored. If you observe persistent changes in your body, consult with a healthcare provider.
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Not smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, and safeguarding your skin from too much sun exposure can all help reduce the risk of developing cancer.
Conclusion
Cancer remains the leading cause of death worldwide, but the fact that the majority of cases are still in their early stages has given many people hope. Healthy lifestyle choices, early detection, and treatment have increased survival rates. Knowing the most common types of cancers, such as breast, lung, colon, rectum, and prostate, as well as their symptoms and screening procedures, allows people to take charge of their health. Regular check-ups and screening tests significantly minimize the risk of developing or detecting cancer at an advanced stage. Always take your doctor’s advice about your cancer screenings and overall health.
