Of over 200 different types of cancers that have been identified, the cancer diagnosed with the greatest frequency in the United States (excluding nonmelanoma skin cancers) is breast cancer.

The next most common — ‘common’ being measured as 40,000 cases or more per year (2018) — are lung cancer and prostate cancer.

The list of the 13 most common cancers, with estimated new cases and deaths for each type, follows. They’re listed in order of highest estimated new cases to lowest.

After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in American women.

Estimated yearly new cases:

  • Female: 268,600
  • Male: 2,670

Estimated yearly deaths:

  • Female: 41,760
  • Male: 500

5-year survival rate:

  • Female: 90 percent (2008–2014)

The second most common cancer, lung cancer, is the leading cause of cancer death.

To lower your risk of lung and bronchus cancer, it’s recommended that you stop smoking.

  • estimated yearly new cases: 228,150
  • estimated yearly deaths: 142,670
  • 5-year survival rate: 23 percent (2008–2014)

Typically slow growing, prostate cancer is the most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer death among American men.

  • estimated yearly new cases: 164,690
  • estimated yearly deaths: 29,430
  • 5-year survival rate: 98 percent (2008–2014)

Colorectal cancer refers to cancers found in the colon or rectum. Together they make up the large intestine.

  • estimated yearly new cases: 145,600
  • estimated yearly deaths: 51,020
  • 5-year survival rate: 64 percent (2008–2014)

Melanoma is cancer that begins in specialized cells that make up the pigment that gives skin its color (melanin).

While more common on the skin, melanomas can also form on the eye and in other pigmented tissues.

  • estimated yearly new cases: 96,480
  • estimated yearly deaths: 7,230
  • 5-year survival rate: 92 percent (2008–2014)

Bladder cancer usually affects older adults and occurs more frequently in men than it does in women.

  • estimated yearly new cases: 80,470
  • estimated yearly deaths: 17,670
  • 5-year survival rate: 77 percent (2008–2014)

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is cancer that begins in the lymphatic system. It’s characterized by tumors developing from a type of white blood cell known as a lymphocytes.

  • estimated yearly new cases: 74,200
  • estimated yearly deaths: 19,970
  • 5-year survival rate: 71 percent (2008–2014)

The most common type of kidney cancer is renal cell carcinoma which commonly develops in one kidney as a single tumor.

Renal pelvis cancer forms in the kidney’s pelvis or the ureter, the tube that carries urine to the bladder from the kidney.

  • estimated yearly new cases: 73,820
  • estimated yearly deaths: 14,770
  • 5-year survival rate: 75 percent (2008–2014)

There are two types of uterine cancer. Endometrial cancer is common while uterine sarcoma is rare.

  • estimated yearly new cases: 61,880
  • estimated yearly deaths: 12,160
  • 5-year survival rate: 84 percent (2008–2014)

Leukemias are cancers that begin in the blood-forming tissue of the bone marrow.

These cancers are characterized by large numbers of abnormal white blood cells building up in the blood and bone marrow to a point where they crowd out normal blood cells. This makes it harder for the body to distribute oxygen to its tissues, fight infections, and control bleeding.

  • estimated yearly new cases: 61,780
  • estimated yearly deaths: 22,840
  • 5-year survival rate: 61.4 percent (2008–2014)

Pancreatic cancer begins in the pancreas and usually spreads rapidly to other organs nearby.

  • estimated yearly new cases: 56,770
  • estimated yearly deaths: 45,750
  • 5-year survival rate: 9 percent (2008–2014)

While anaplastic thyroid cancer is difficult to cure, follicular, medullary, and the most common type of thyroid cancer, papillary, can usually be treated effectively with positive outcomes.

  • estimated yearly new cases: 52,070
  • estimated yearly deaths: 2,170
  • 5-year survival rate: near 100 percent (2008–2014)

Liver cancer includes hepatocellular carcinoma — the most common type — bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma), and hepatoblastoma.

Risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma include cirrhosis of the liver and chronic infection with hepatitis B or C.

  • estimated yearly new cases: 42,030
  • estimated yearly deaths: 31,780
  • 5-year survival rate: 18 percent (2008–2014)

The 5-year survival rate compares the survival of people diagnosed with the cancer with the survival of people in the general population who haven’t been diagnosed with cancer.

Keep in mind that no two people are exactly alike. Treatment and response to treatment can vary greatly by individual.

Survival statistics are based on large groups of people, so they can’t be used to make exact predictions on what will specifically happen to an individual.

The 13 most common cancers in the United States (out of about 200) represent approximately 71.5 percent of all estimated yearly new cases (2018).

If you or a loved one is concerned about symptoms that may indicate the presence of cancer, make an appointment to see your doctor.

According to the World Health Organization, detecting cancer early can greatly increase chances for successful treatment.