Most of us know someone in our family who have been diagnosed with cancer. The earlier doctors detect cancer, the quicker treatment can begin. Every year, it’s estimated that over 1.6 million people will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States. While there are over 100 types of cancer, some are more common than others. Here are the five most common types of cancer in the United States.
Breast Cancer
It’s estimated that over 228,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer annually. Sadly, over 142,000 succumb to this cancer each year. There are certain signs to look out for which could indicate breast cancer. These include a new mass or lump in your breast, around your collarbone, or in your armpit. Most lumps are painless. However, some may be tender or painful. Other signs of breast cancer include swelling in the breast, and irritation of the skin.
If you resonate with any of the signs above, now is the time to get checked out. As well as seeing your doctor for an examination, you can have a full body MRI scan for cancer. Ezra delivers this full body MRI scan which can be the difference between saving and losing your life. Ezra has locations across the United States and offers flexible payment plans for all types of scans.
Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer
Another common form of cancer in the United States is non-melanoma skin cancer. This includes squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. It affects over 1 million Americans each year, and the exact number of new cases of this cancer isn’t known. This is because many doctors can treat it in their office, and do not have to report statistics to cancer registries.
Basal cell carcinoma symptoms include sores that do not heal, or heal and come back, shiny, smooth, small lumps that are red, pink, or white, as well as scaly, raised red patches. Signs of squamous cell carcinoma to look out for include red, scaly patches with uneven borders, and wart-like growths.
Lung Cancer
Over 220,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer every year across the country. To lower your risk of developing lung cancer, it’s advised that you stop smoking. The 5-year survival rate of lung cancer stands at 23%.
Signs of lung cancer to look out for include a persistent cough that does not go away on its own, coughing up blood, as well as shortness of breath or wheezing. Other signs include no appetite, voice changes, and bone pain. Unlike some cancers, lung cancer doesn’t normally cause symptoms until it’s in the advanced stages. This is because your lungs don’t have many nerve endings, meaning tumors can form without causing pain or discomfort. If you resonate with any of the signs above, you must get checked out by your doctor immediately.
Prostate Cancer
Over 190,000 people are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the United States annually. This is a slow-growing cancer. However, it’s the most common cancer among American men. It’s estimated that 29,000 people die from this cancer each year across the country.
Signs of prostate cancer to look out for include problems urinating. This may include trouble starting, leaking, or holding back urination. Pain is another symptom you may experience when urinating. Other signs include trouble keeping or getting an erection and needing to urinate more often, particularly during the night. There aren’t any early warning signs normally associated with prostate cancer. Therefore, if you are a male aged 55 and above without any symptoms, you should consult with your doctor about whether to get tested for this cancer. On the other hand, if you are displaying symptoms, don’t delay in seeking medical treatment.
Colon and Rectal Cancer
Otherwise known as colorectal cancers, over 147,000 people are diagnosed with these cancers each year in the United States. Signs to look out for in these cancers include losing weight without intending to, exhaustion and weakness, changes in your bowel habits (such as diarrhea or constipation), as well as stomach pain that lasts for several days.
Colorectal cancers do not always cause symptoms until they are in the advanced stages. However, signs of these cancers could indicate something else is wrong, such as irritable bowel syndrome or hemorrhoids. It can be hard to differentiate the symptoms, so if you have any doubts or concerns, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. Only a medical expert will be able to examine and diagnose you.
Knowing the early signs and symptoms of the cancers listed above can literally be the difference between life and death. If you have any health concerns, you must book a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible. The earlier you get checked out, the better chance you have of beating cancer and living a long, fulfilled, and healthy life.