Yet this question could mean two different things.
It also looks at steps you may take to lower your risk.
The prediction for 2024 was that more than 2 million new cases diagnosed, with 611,720 cancer deaths.
Hero Images / Getty Images
These numbers include all types of cancer.
Others occur less frequently but will more often prove fatal.
For example,breast canceraccounts for nearly a third of all cancer diagnoses in females.
But while there are fewer cases oflung cancer, it still claims more lives than breast cancer.
This understanding may change the way people perceive their own risks about the cancers that may affect them.
That’s especially important for someethnic and minority groupsthat historically have been more vulnerable to the impacts of cancer.
Early detection may make a real difference in cancer outcomes.
Though much less common,melanomais responsible for nearly all skin cancer deaths.
Yet it’s divided into two distinct types.
This is true for people of all sexes.
It’s also easier to see that a less common cancer like pancreaticcancer is deadlier.
This is true despite cases dropping overall and lower rates oflung cancer in men.
Lung cancer in women can be different than in men.
Just as with heart disease, the symptoms are often vague.
It’sessential to knowthese symptoms and warning signs.
Yet it will only lead to 11% of cancer deaths or some 35,200 people.
In many cases, these steps will involve comparatively simple lifestyle changes.
Clearly, the cancer types and risks also change for men and women.
That said, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancerdeathfor both men and women.
Keep that in mind as you seek to reduce your cancer risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cancer might be considered common because people today live longer lives than ever before.
The risk of cancer increases with age.
The greatest risk factor for cancer will differ by each cancer jot down.
Siegel RL, Giaquinto AN, Jemal A.Cancer statistics, 2024.CA A Cancer J Clinicians.
2024;74(1):12-49. doi:10.3322/caac.21820
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Skin Cancer.
American Academy of Dermatology.Skin Cancer.
American Lung Association.Lung Cancer Fact Sheet.
Cancer Research UK.Why Are Cancer Rates Increasing?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).What Are the Risk Factors for Lung Cancer?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).How Many Cancers Are Linked With HPV Each Year?
NIH National Cancer Institute.Common cancer types.
