In the United States, the most commonly diagnosed cancers are skin cancer (mostly non-melanoma types), followed by breast, prostate, lung and colorectal cancer. Lung cancer causes the most cancer deaths, followed by colorectal and pancreatic cancer. Below you will find rounded statistics for the most common types, the warning signs of each, who is most at risk and which screening tests can catch them early, when treatment tends to work best.
Cancer by the numbers
The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that roughly 2 million new cancer cases are diagnosed in the US each year and that a little over 600,000 people die of the disease annually. Worldwide, the World Health Organization’s cancer agency reported roughly 20 million new cases and close to 10 million deaths in 2022. There is also good news: US cancer death rates have fallen steadily since the early 1990s, thanks largely to less smoking, earlier detection and better treatment.
The table below shows approximate yearly US figures for the most common cancers, based on recent ACS estimates and rounded for readability. Exact numbers change each year, so treat these as a sense of scale rather than precise counts.
| Cancer type | Approx. new US cases per year | Key screening test |
|---|---|---|
| Breast (women) | About 300,000+ invasive cases | Mammogram |
| Prostate | About 300,000 | PSA blood test (shared decision) |
| Lung | About 225,000 | Low-dose CT for eligible smokers and former smokers |
| Colorectal | About 150,000 | Colonoscopy or stool-based tests |
| Melanoma | About 100,000 invasive cases | Skin checks by a clinician or yourself |
The most common types of cancer
Skin cancer
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US. The two non-melanoma types, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, account for millions of cases each year. They are rarely fatal when treated early but can damage surrounding tissue if ignored. Melanoma is far less common but more likely to spread, which makes it responsible for most skin cancer deaths.
- Warning signs: a new spot or a mole that changes in size, shape or color; a sore that does not heal; a shiny, pearly or scaly bump.
- Main risk factors: ultraviolet exposure from the sun and tanning beds, a history of sunburns, fair skin and many moles.
- Prevention: broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, shade and avoiding tanning beds.
Breast cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women other than skin cancer, and it is often quoted that about 1 in 8 US women will develop invasive breast cancer during her lifetime. Men can get breast cancer too, although it is rare. Survival is high when the disease is found before it spreads.
- Warning signs: a new lump in the breast or underarm, thickening or swelling, skin dimpling, nipple changes or unusual discharge.
- Risk factors: increasing age, family history, inherited gene changes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, dense breast tissue, alcohol use and some hormone therapies.
- Screening: the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends mammograms every two years for women aged 40 to 74. Women at higher risk may need to start earlier.
Regular well-woman visits are a good time to discuss your personal risk. Our article on personalized women’s healthcare covers what those visits can include.
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men after skin cancer, with about 1 in 8 men diagnosed during their lifetime. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in US men, after lung cancer. Many prostate cancers grow slowly, and some never need treatment beyond careful monitoring.
- Warning signs: early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms. Later signs can include trouble urinating, a weak stream, frequent urination at night, blood in the urine or semen, and bone pain.
- Risk factors: age, family history and being Black, since Black men have higher rates of prostate cancer and prostate cancer death.
- Screening: for men aged 55 to 69, the USPSTF recommends an individual decision about PSA testing after discussing benefits and harms with a clinician.
Lung cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the US for both men and women, responsible for roughly 1 in 5 cancer deaths. Smoking causes the majority of cases, but people who have never smoked can also develop lung cancer, sometimes linked to radon, secondhand smoke, air pollution, asbestos or genetic factors.
- Warning signs: a persistent or worsening cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, hoarseness, fatigue and unexplained weight loss.
- Screening: the USPSTF recommends a yearly low-dose CT scan for adults aged 50 to 80 with a 20 pack-year smoking history who currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years.
- Prevention: not smoking, quitting if you do, and testing your home for radon.
Colorectal cancer
Cancers of the colon and rectum are among the most common cancers in the US and the second leading cause of cancer death when men and women are counted together. Rates have been rising in adults under 50, which is one reason screening guidelines now start earlier than they once did.
- Warning signs: a change in bowel habits, blood in the stool, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss and fatigue from anemia.
- Risk factors: age, family history, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, heavy alcohol use and diets high in red and processed meat.
- Screening: the USPSTF recommends screening for adults aged 45 to 75, using colonoscopy, stool-based tests or other approved options.
Other common cancers
Bladder, kidney, uterine, pancreatic and thyroid cancers, along with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and leukemia, are also among the more frequently diagnosed cancers in the US. Pancreatic cancer is less common but is one of the deadliest, because it is often found late. Cervical cancer has become much less common thanks to Pap and HPV testing, and the HPV vaccine can prevent most cases.
Why early detection matters
For most cancers, the stage at diagnosis is one of the strongest predictors of outcome. Cancers found while still confined to where they started are usually easier to treat and more likely to be cured than those that have spread. Screening tests look for cancer or precancerous changes before symptoms appear, and some, such as colonoscopy and cervical screening, can prevent cancer by finding and removing abnormal tissue early. Routine blood work does not diagnose most cancers, but abnormal results can prompt further tests; our guide on what to know about blood testing explains what common panels show.
Lowering your risk
- Do not smoke or vape, and avoid secondhand smoke.
- Limit alcohol, since it is linked to several cancers, including breast and colorectal.
- Keep a healthy weight and stay physically active.
- Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and fiber, and limit processed meat. Our article on foods that help reduce inflammation has practical ideas.
- Protect your skin from UV exposure.
- Get vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis B if recommended.
- Keep up with screenings appropriate for your age and risk.
Finding the right treatment center
If you or a loved one is diagnosed, where you are treated can matter. Comprehensive cancer centers bring together surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, pathologists, nurses and support services, and they often offer access to clinical trials. Look for a center with experience treating your specific type of cancer, a multidisciplinary tumor board that reviews cases, and support such as nutrition counseling, social work and survivorship care. For Southern California residents, a cancer treatment center Orange County patients can reach close to home, such as City of Hope’s Orange County campus, is one example of that kind of specialized care. Wherever you live, it is reasonable to ask for a second opinion before starting treatment.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about symptoms, screening and your personal risk.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common type of cancer?
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US, mainly basal and squamous cell carcinomas. Excluding skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common in women and prostate cancer in men.
Which cancer causes the most deaths?
Lung cancer causes the most cancer deaths in the US and worldwide, followed in the US by colorectal and pancreatic cancer.
At what age should cancer screening start?
It depends on the cancer. Under current USPSTF guidance, colorectal screening starts at 45, mammograms at 40, and lung screening at 50 for eligible smokers. People at higher risk may start earlier.
Can cancer be prevented?
Not every cancer can be prevented, but not smoking, limiting alcohol, staying active, keeping a healthy weight, protecting your skin, vaccination and screening lower the risk of many types.
Are cancer death rates going down?
Yes. US cancer death rates have declined steadily since the early 1990s, largely due to reduced smoking, earlier detection and improved treatments.
