The 13 Most Common Cancer Types in the United States (2018 Data)

More than 200 distinct cancers have been identified, yet a relatively small group accounts for the bulk of diagnoses in the United States. The table below summarizes the 13 cancers that each produced ≥ 40,000 new cases in 2018, together representing about 71.5 % of all estimated yearly new cases.

Breast Cancer

• Estimated new cases (2018): 268,600 (female)
• Estimated deaths (2018): 2,670 (female)
• 5‑year survival rate (2008‑2014): 90 %

Lung & Bronchus Cancer

• Estimated new cases (2018): 228,150
• Estimated deaths (2018): 142,670
• 5‑year survival rate (2008‑2014): 23 %

Smoking is the leading preventable risk factor; cessation markedly lowers risk.

Prostate Cancer

• Estimated new cases (2018): 164,690
• Estimated deaths (2018): 29,430
• 5‑year survival rate (2008‑2014): 98 %

Colorectal Cancer (Colon & Rectum)

• Estimated new cases (2018): 145,600
• Estimated deaths (2018): 51,020
• 5‑year survival rate (2008‑2014): 64 %

Melanoma

• Estimated new cases (2018): 96,480
• Estimated deaths (2018): 7,230
• 5‑year survival rate (2008‑2014): 92 %

Bladder Cancer

• Estimated new cases (2018): 80,470
• Estimated deaths (2018): 17,670
• 5‑year survival rate (2008‑2014): 77 %

Non‑Hodgkin Lymphoma

• Estimated new cases (2018): 74,200
• Estimated deaths (2018): 19,970
• 5‑year survival rate (2008‑2014): 71 %

Renal Pelvis & Ureter Cancer

• Estimated new cases (2018): 73,820
• Estimated deaths (2018): 14,770
• 5‑year survival rate (2008‑2014): 75 %

Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer

• Estimated new cases (2018): 61,880
• Estimated deaths (2018): 12,160
• 5‑year survival rate (2008‑2014): 84 %

Leukemia

• Estimated new cases (2018): 61,780
• Estimated deaths (2018): 22,840
• 5‑year survival rate (2008‑2014): 61.4 %

Pancreatic Cancer

• Estimated new cases (2018): 56,770
• Estimated deaths (2018): 45,750
• 5‑year survival rate (2008‑2014): 9 %

Thyroid Cancer (Papillary, Follicular, Medullary)

• Estimated new cases (2018): 52,070
• Estimated deaths (2018): 2,170
• 5‑year survival rate (2008‑2014): Near 100 %

Liver Cancer

• Estimated new cases (2018): 42,030
• Estimated deaths (2018): 31,780
• 5‑year survival rate (2008‑2014): 18 %

The 5‑year survival rate compares the proportion of patients alive five years after diagnosis with the survival of the general population without cancer. These statistics are derived from large cohorts and cannot predict an individual’s outcome.

Early detection dramatically improves treatment success, according to the World Health Organization. If you notice concerning symptoms, schedule a medical evaluation promptly.