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Most Common Types of Cancer, Ranked

8 min read

By Clarissa Vanner

Reviewed by Patty Weasler, RN
Most Common Types of Cancer, Ranked

Most people have been affected by cancer in some way, whether that’s being diagnosed yourself or knowing someone battling cancer. In fact, it’s so common that the National Health Service (NHS) says 1 in 2 people will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime.

There are more than 100 types of cancer but some are more common than others. Follow along as we take a look at the 13 most common types of cancers and their warning signs. And be sure to address any abnormal symptoms with your doctor.

13. Liver Cancer

One common type of cancer is liver cancer which develops when malignant cells form in the tissue of the liver. Though several types of cancer can develop in the liver, the Mayo Clinic says the most common type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma. Other less common types of liver cancer include intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and hepatoblastoma.

Unfortunately, the source says most people don’t show signs or symptoms in the early stages of primary liver cancer. That said, when symptoms do appear you should be on the lookout for:

12. Thyroid Cancer

Another common type of cancer to be aware of is thyroid cancer. This type of cancer forms in the thyroid gland (shaped like a butterfly), which is in the front part of the neck. The American Cancer Society notes that papillary is the most common type of thyroid cancer, accounting for 8 out of 10 thyroid cancer cases. Luckily, this type can often be treated successfully and is rarely fatal. Anaplastic carcinoma, on the other hand, spreads rapidly and is very hard to treat. That said, this type is rare, only making up about 2-percent of all thyroid cancers.

The source says the following may be signs of thyroid cancer:

11. Pancreatic Cancer

Not only is pancreatic cancer common, but it’s well-known for being highly aggressive and difficult to treat. Cancer develops in the pancreas but can spread rapidly to nearby organs. According to Healthline, there are roughly 56, 770 new cases every year, and the 5-year survival rate is 11-percent.

Unfortunately, the Mayo Clinic says symptoms of pancreatic cancer don’t typically show up until the disease is advanced. But you should be on the lookout for these possible signs:

10. Leukemia

Leukemia is a broad term for cancers of the blood. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) explains, “The type of leukemia depends on the type of blood cell that becomes cancer and whether it grows quickly or slowly.” Though it most often affects adults older than 55, it’s also the most common type of cancer in children younger than 15.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of leukemia can depend on the type of leukemia. The source explains that if you have a chronic form then you may not develop symptoms in the early stages. That said, be on the lookout for the following common signs of leukemia:

9. Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus). According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer and roughly 50,000 American women are diagnosed each year. It’s also the most common form of uterine cancer, so it’s commonly referred to as uterine cancer.

Be aware of the following signs of endometrial cancer:

8. Kidney Cancer

Another type of cancer you should be aware of is kidney cancer. This type of cancer forms in the kidneys, which are two bean-shaped organs located behind your abdominal organs, one on each side of the spine. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) says roughly 79,000 adults in the U.S. will be diagnosed with kidney cancer each year. Additionally, the source notes most people are diagnosed between the ages of 65 and 74.

The Mayo Clinic says the following symptoms are common signs of kidney cancer:

7. Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer that forms in the lymph system. The lymph system is part of the immune system, which plays an integral role in protecting your body from harmful infections and diseases. The Mayo Clinic explains that in this type of cancer, “white blood cells called lymphocytes grow abnormally and can form growths (tumors) throughout the body.”

The source says the following are possible signs and symptoms of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma:

6. Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer develops when cancer cells form in the tissues of the bladder. Luckily, the American Cancer Society says it can often be found early because it usually causes blood in the urine or other unusual urinary symptoms. Any unusual urinary symptoms should be addressed.

Contact your doctor if the following potential symptoms of bladder cancer develop:

5. Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is another very common type of cancer. The Mayo Clinic explains that skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells. It typically forms on skin that is exposed to the sun, however, it can also develop on areas of the skin that aren’t regularly exposed to sunlight. The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common sign of skin cancer is a change in your skin, such as a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a change in a mole. When looking for melanoma the source says to remember the A-B-C-D-E warning signs, which include:

4. Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a disease that develops when cancer cells form in the tissues of the prostate (a gland in the male reproductive system). Healthline says prostate cancer is typically slow growing and is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer fatalities among American men.

According to the CDC, symptoms of prostate cancer can vary and some men don’t experience symptoms at all. That said, the source notes you should be on the lookout for the following signs and symptoms:

3. Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer (also known as colon cancer) is the third most common type of cancer in the United States. It refers to cancer found in the colon or rectum (which makes up the large intestine).

The Mayo Clinic explains that colon cancer doesn’t typically cause symptoms in the early stages of the disease, however, depending on the size and location of the cancer, you may develop the following:

Luckily, colon cancer screening is available, such as a colonoscopy, that can help catch colon cancer early. The source says individuals with an average risk should start colon cancer screening around age 45 but those with an increased risk should start screening sooner.

2. Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer. Healthline also points out that it’s the leading cause of cancer fatalities. The number one cause of lung cancer is smoking but it can also be caused by secondhand smoke or exposure to harmful substances like asbestos. To protect yourself and others, quit smoking and if you don’t smoke, don’t start.

Unfortunately, lung cancer doesn’t typically cause symptoms until the disease is advanced but you should be on the lookout for the following signs:

1. Breast Cancer

Currently, the most common type of cancer is breast cancer. In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates about 287, 850 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2022 alone.

While it most commonly affects women, men can develop breast cancer too. Performing monthly self-exams is important for detecting breast cancer early. Be on the lookout for these early warning signs of breast cancer:

BSN, CCRN

Patty is a freelance health writer and nurse (BSN, CCRN). She has worked as a critical care nurse for over 10 years and loves educating people about their health. When she's not working, Patty enjoys any outdoor activity that she can do with her husband and three kids.

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