What Are the Five Most Commonly Diagnosed Cancers?

Every year, millions of people worldwide receive a cancer diagnosis, making it one of the leading causes of death globally. While cancer can feel like an overwhelming topic, understanding the most commonly diagnosed types can help individuals and their families take proactive steps toward prevention, early detection, and treatment. In recognition of February being National Cancer Prevention Month, Pegalis Law Group, LLC is taking a closer look at the five most common cancer types to create awareness.

Carcinoma Can Affect Your Skin, Lungs, Breasts, Prostate, & Colon

Carcinoma is the most common type of cancer, and it can develop in almost any part of the body, including the skin, lungs, breasts, prostate, and colon. Carcinoma forms in the cells lining various organs and tissues. Several factors can increase the risk of developing carcinoma, including your age and lifestyle choices. Smoking, high alcohol consumption, prolonged sun exposure, and exposure to harmful chemicals can all elevate the risk. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding known carcinogens can help lower your risk. Carcinoma symptoms vary depending on its location and stage but may include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Noticeable changes in normal bodily functions
• Unusual lumps
• Sores that don’t heal
• Changes in moles (skin carcinomas)

Melanoma: An Aggressive Skin Cancer Caused by UV Exposure

Melanoma is a skin cancer originating in the body’s cells responsible for producing melanin, which gives skin its color. While it accounts for a smaller percentage of skin cancer cases, melanoma is the most aggressive due to its potential to spread to other parts of the body if not detected early. It can develop anywhere on the skin but commonly appears in areas with significant sun exposure, such as the face, arms, back, and legs. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation (whether the sun or tanning beds) is a significant risk. A family history of melanoma or atypical moles can also heighten your risk. Key warning signs of melanoma often follow the “ABCDE” rule:

• Asymmetry – One-half of a mole or spot is unlike the other in shape or size
• Border Irregularity – The mole’s edges are irregular, blurred, or notched (not smooth and defined)
• Color – The mole has uneven or varying shades of black, brown, red, white, or other colors
• Diameter – Melanomas are typically larger than 6 millimeters across (the size of a pencil eraser)
• Evolving Size, Shape, or Color – The mole or spot changes in size, shape, color, or elevation over time, or new symptoms arise

Other signs include moles that itch, bleed, or develop a crusty surface. Melanoma can manifest as a new pigmented or unusual-looking skin growth instead of changes to an existing mole.

Lymphoma: A Cancer That Affects the Body’s White Blood Cells

Lymphoma is a cancer type that forms in the lymphatic system, part of the body’s immune system. It affects the white blood cells responsible for fighting infections. There are two main types: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, each differing in how the disease develops and spreads. Your age, family history, previous cancer treatments, certain viral infections, and having a weakened immune system due to autoimmune diseases and other conditions may increase your risk. Lymphoma symptoms may vary but commonly include:

• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
• Persistent fatigue and weakness
• Fevers, chills, or night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Itchy skin or red patches
• Coughing, chest pain, or difficulty breathing

Sarcoma: A Rare Cancer in Your Body’s Connective Tissues

Sarcoma is a cancer that develops in your body’s connective tissues, including muscles, fat, tendons, blood vessels, and bones. It’s relatively rare compared to other cancer types, but it can affect individuals of any age. Sarcomas are generally categorized as soft tissue sarcomas or bone sarcomas (also known as osteosarcoma). Inherited conditions like neurofibromatosis, exposure to certain chemicals or radiation, and a history of chronic lymphedema or certain viral infections can increase the risk of developing sarcomas. Symptoms of sarcomas vary but may include:

• A noticeable lump or swelling that grows larger (soft tissue sarcomas)
• Pain and swelling in bones that worsens at night or during physical activity (bone sarcomas)
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Reduced mobility if the sarcoma impacts joints or muscles

Leukemia: A Bone Marrow Cancer Affecting White Blood Cells

Leukemia is a cancer type that forms in the blood marrow and affects the blood-forming tissues. It leads to the production of abnormal white blood cells, which can interfere with the normal functioning of blood, including the body’s ability to fight infections, carry oxygen, and clot properly. The cause of leukemia is often unknown, but family history, genetic disorders, exposure to high levels of radiation, smoking, and previous cancer treatments may increase the risk. Leukemia symptoms vary but include:

• Persistent fatigue or weakness
• Frequent or severe infections
• Unexplained fever and chills
• Easy bruising or bleeding (frequent nosebleeds or bleeding gums)
• Pain or tenderness in bones and joints
• Significant unexplained weight loss
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarms, or groin
• Night sweats
• Enlarged liver or spleen

How Often Are These Types of Cancer Misdiagnosed?

Misdiagnosis of these cancer types is not uncommon. Their overlapping symptoms with less severe illnesses, the rarity of specific cancer types, and limitations in diagnostic tools are often to blame. For example, melanomas might initially resemble benign skin lesions, leading to delayed diagnosis. With its flu-like symptoms and blood abnormalities, leukemia can be mistaken for infections. Diagnostic errors can stem from incomplete medical histories, misinterpretation of test results, or inadequate use of imaging and biopsy techniques. If you suspect a cancer misdiagnosis, seek a second medical opinion. Keep thorough records of your medical history, diagnostic reports, and treatment plans for review.

Contact an Experienced Medical Malpractice Law Firm in NY

Understanding the five most commonly diagnosed cancers is a powerful step toward prevention and awareness. Talk to your healthcare provider about screening options for these and other cancers. If you or a loved one suspects that you’ve received a cancer misdiagnosis, Pegalis Law Group, LLC is a New York-based law firm specializing in personal injury and medical malpractice cases for 50+ years. Please visit our website and follow us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for additional insights.