Cancer is one of the biggest health concerns worldwide. Many people feel lost and scared when they hear a diagnosis. Knowing the most common types of cancer can help. It allows for early detection, better treatment choices, and improved survival rates.
In this blog, we focus only on different types of cancer. We break down the most common ones, explaining what they are and how they affect the body. No complicated medical jargon—just clear, simple facts.
Whether you are seeking knowledge for yourself or a loved one, this guide will help. Awareness is the first step in the fight against cancer. Let’s check out the most common types so you can stay informed and prepared.
Main Types of Cancer to Know | Top 11
Understanding these common types can help with early detection, prevention, and treatment. If diagnosed, seeking expert care is crucial. Many patients look for the best cancer treatment in Delhi or other metro cities for advanced medical support and better recovery options.
But before your final treatment planning, get a sneak peek into the different types of cancer.
1. Breast Cancer
Breast cancer occurs in the breast tissue, most often in the ducts or lobules. It is the leading cancer in women.
- Causes: Abnormal cell growth can be caused by hormonal changes, genetics, and lifestyle.
- Symptoms: A breast lump, nipple discharge, skin dimpling, or breast size change.
- Risk Factors: Age, family history, obesity, hormone therapy, and heavy alcohol use.
- Treatment: Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted drug therapy.
2. Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, often remaining undetected until later stages. It is one of the most dangerous cancers affecting women due to its silent symptoms.
- Causes: Hereditary mutations, hormonal imbalances, and environmental causes can play a role.
- Symptoms: Bloating, pelvic discomfort, frequent urination, and eating difficulties.
- Risk Factors: Age, family history, endometriosis, and never having given birth.
- Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and occasionally radiation.
3. Throat Cancer
Throat cancer involves the voice box, vocal cords, or the back of the throat. It can impair speaking, swallowing, and breathing, so early detection is important for treatment.
- Causes: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) are frequent causes.
- Symptoms: Hoarseness, sore throat, trouble swallowing, and neck lump.
- Risk Factors: Tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, HPV infection, and malnutrition.
- Treatment: Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
4. Lung Cancer
Lung cancer starts in the lungs and is a major contributor to cancer-related mortality. Lung cancer grows stealthily and spreads before the onset of noticeable signs in the body.
- Causes: Smoking, exposure to pollution, and gene mutations lead to abnormal growth in lung cells.
- Symptoms: Persistent cough, chest discomfort, breathlessness, and loss of weight.
- Risk Factors: Smoking, second-hand smoke, air pollution, and heredity.
- Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted medication.
5. Mouth Cancer
Mouth cancer begins in the lips, tongue, cheeks, or roof of the mouth. It is often associated with tobacco, alcohol consumption, and long-term exposure to cancer-causing chemicals.
- Causes: Tobacco, alcohol, HPV infection, and long-term sun exposure.
- Symptoms: Sores, red or white patches, trouble swallowing, and pain in the mouth.
- Risk Factors: Smoking, alcohol consumption, HPV infection, and poor immune system.
- Treatment: Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
6. Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is in the pancreas, where digestion and insulin production are impacted. Pancreatic cancer tends to be late diagnosed and, as a result, one of the most malignant cancers.
- Causes: Hereditary genetic mutation, smoking, and ongoing pancreas inflammation.
- Symptoms: Jaundice, abdominal discomfort, sudden weight loss, and gastrointestinal disorders.
- Risk Factors: Smoking, being obese, having diabetes, and history.
- Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, targeted treatment, and at times, radiation.
7. Colon Cancer
Colon cancer arises in the large intestine and typically starts as polyps. If not treated, it may spread to other organs, and hence regular screenings are crucial for prevention.
- Causes: Genetic mutations, poor diet, and long-term bowel inflammation.
- Symptoms: Bowel habit changes, blood in the stool, abdominal discomfort, and tiredness.
- Risk Factors: Age, family history, poor diet, and physical inactivity.
- Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
8. Liver Cancer
Liver cancer starts in the liver cells and is usually associated with hepatitis infections. It impairs liver function, leading to severe complications if not detected and treated early.
- Causes: Chronic hepatitis B or C, liver cirrhosis, and heavy alcohol consumption.
- Symptoms: Jaundice, swelling of the abdomen, nausea, and loss of appetite.
- Risk Factors: Viral hepatitis, obesity, diabetes, and heavy alcohol consumption.
- Treatment: Surgery, liver transplant, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
9. Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is caused by abnormal growth of skin cells, often due to overexposure to the sun. It is among the most preventable cancers if appropriate precautions are taken against the sun.
- Causes: Sun or tanning bed exposure to UV radiation harms skin cells.
- Symptoms: Moles that look unusual, sores that don’t heal, and changing skin.
- Risk Factors: Pale skin, too much sun exposure, family history, and poor immune system.
- Treatment: Surgery, cryotherapy, radiation, and topical drugs.
10. Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer starts in the stomach lining and may spread to nearby organs. It can develop slowly over many years, making early symptoms easy to overlook.
- Causes: Bacterial infections, chronic inflammation, and smoking.
- Symptoms: Indigestion, stomach pain, loss of appetite, and nausea.
- Risk Factors: Infection with H. pylori bacteria, smoking, high-salt diet, and genetics.
- Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted drug therapy.
11. Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer develops in the cervix and is primarily due to HPV infection. It grows slowly but is preventable with regular screening and vaccination processes.
- Causes: HPV infection, genetic alterations, and compromised immune response.
- Symptoms: Abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic discomfort, and discomfort during sex.
- Risk Factors: HPV infection, smoking, promiscuity, and compromised immunity.
- Treatment: Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
Your Health, Your Best Defense
Cancer is a diagnosis that changes your life, but with knowledge and action early on, lives can be saved. Knowing the most frequent types helps in recognising signs and making the right choices. Prevention, screenings, and healthy living are vital in minimising risk. In cases of treatment necessity, specialised medical attention is important.
Many patients trust the best cancer hospital in Delhi for advanced treatments and compassionate support. Stay proactive, listen to your body, and take charge of your health—because early action can make all the difference.
