10 Most common cancers in the U.S.

Skin cancer

Skin cancer is divided into the non-melanoma and melanoma categories. Non-melanoma (basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer) is the more common form with over 2,000,000 cases expected to be diagnosed in the country in 2010. Most of these forms of cancer are curable. Melanoma, on the other hand, is the more serious type of skin cancer. It affects approximately five percent of people diagnosed with skin cancer, but is attributed to over 75 percent of all skin cancer deaths. In 2010, 68,130 new cases of melanoma were expected to be diagnosed.

Lung cancer

During 2010, 222,520 new cases of lung cancer were expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. Lung cancer accounts for about 28 percent of all cancer deaths. An estimated 157,300 deaths were expected to occur from lung cancer in 2010. The 5-year survival rate for all stages of lung cancer combined is just 16 percent. However, for cases detected when the disease is still localized, that number is 53 percent. Cigarette smoking is the most important risk factor for lung cancer.

Breast cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, 209,060 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to occur during 2010 in the U.S. Excluding skin cancer, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women. Breast cancer ranks second as a cause of cancer death in women (after lung cancer).

Prostate cancer

It's estimated that 1 in 6 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. It's the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men (excluding skin cancer) and the second most common cause of death. Approximately 217,730 new cases were diagnosed in 2010 with an estimated 32,050 men expected to die from the disease in the year. PSA screenings and digital rectal exams (DRE) can help for early detection.

Colorectal cancer

An estimated 102,900 new cases of colon and 39,670 cases of rectal cancer were expected to occur in 2010. Colorectal cancer doesn't discriminate -- it's the third most common cancer in both men and women. Colorectal cancer was expected to account for nine percent of all cancer deaths in 2010.

Kidney (renal) cancer

The American Cancer Society estimated 58,240 new cases of kidney (renal) cancer in 2010 with 13,040 deaths from this disease. Tobacco is a strong risk factor for kidney cancer, as well as obesity and hypertension.

Bladder cancer

Blood in the urine is a common symptom of urinary bladder cancer. An estimated 70,530 new cases of this cancer were expect in 2010. With all stages of bladder cancer combined, the five-year relative survival rate is 80 percent. Surgery (alone or in conjunction with other treatments) is used in 90 percent of cases.

Non-HodGkins Lymphoma

As you may know, one of the common symptoms of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is swollen lymph nodes. About 30 different kinds of NHL exist. It was estimated that 65,540 new cases of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma would be diagnosed in 2010.

Thyroid cancer

Three out of four cases of thyroid cancer occur in women. Perhaps surprisingly, it is the fastest-increasing cancer in both men and women. A lump in the neck is the most common symptom of thyroid cancer. An estimated 44,670 new cases of thyroid cancer were expected in 2010 in the U.S., as well as 1,690 deaths from the disease.

Endometrial cancer

Cancer of the uterine corpus usually occurs in the endometrium (uterus lining). Abnormal bleeding is often an early sign of this type of cancer. In 2010, the American Cancer Society estimated 43,470 new cases of uterine corpus cancer. Treatment can include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and/or hormonal methods, depending on the stage of the cancer.

Also called exocrine cancer, pancreatic cancer often develops without early symptoms. The survival rates for all stages combined are 25 percent for one year and 6 percent for five years. Approximately 43,140 new cases were expected in 2010 along with an estimated 36,800 deaths. Leukemia is also a fairly common cancer in the U.S. with an estimated 43,050 new cases in 2010. To learn more about the various types of cancer, causes, symptoms and treatment options, visit cancer.org, cancer.gov and other online cancer websites.

How to support those with cancer

Helping friends beat breast cancer

As Amy got through her cancer treatment and continued her recovery, she was shocked to find out that her best friend now was stricken with the same disease.

More cancer information and support

• The importance of early cancer detection: Carrol Greene's story
• Skin cancer facts
• Fighting cancer with a healthy diet