Types of Cancer
Bone & Soft Tissue Cancers
Primary bone cancer is rare, with approximately 2,500 new cases diagnosed each year, according to the American Cancer Society. More commonly, bones are the site of tumors that result from the spread (metastasis) of cancer from another organ, such as the breasts, lungs, or prostate.
Breast Cancer
Excluding cancers of the skin, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States, accounting for nearly one in three cancers diagnosed in U.S. women, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). The ACS estimates 212,920 women were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2006 while one in eight women will develop this type of cancer during her life. Men also can get breast cancer, although they make up less than one percent of all cases of breast cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer (excluding skin cancer) among American men and women. According to the American Cancer Society, about 107,000 new cases of colon cancer and 41,000 new cases of rectal cancer are diagnosed each year. These cancers are highly curable when detected and treated early.
Eye Cancer
Gynecological Cancer
Gynecologic cancer is a term used to describe a variety of cancers that occur in the female reproductive organs including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, vagina, and vulva.
Head & Neck Cancer
Head and neck cancer is a term used to describe a variety of soft tissue cancers that occur in the mouth, throat, tongue, lips, larynx, salivary glands, thyroid gland, and the skin of the face and neck. Each of these cancers involves the uncontrolled growth of cells and is often the result of tobacco use. The most common type of malignant tumor in the head and neck area is Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCCA).
Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma
Leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma are cancers that originate in the bone marrow (leukemia and myeloma) or in the lymphatic tissues (lymphoma). Each of these blood-related cancers involves the uncontrolled growth of cells with similar functions and origin.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer typically starts in the lining of the bronchi (the main airways of the lungs), but can also begin in other areas of the respiratory system, including the trachea, bronchioles, or alveoli. According to the American Cancer Society, it is the second most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. However, according to the National Cancer Institute, the death rate from lung cancer continues to decrease among white and black men, while the rate of increase has slowed among women, reflecting reductions in tobacco smoking.
Melanoma & Related Skin Cancers
Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. Melanoma is a cancer that is related to the pigment cells, melanocytes, normally present in the upper layer of skin. Although melanoma accounts for less than 5% of skin cancer cases, it causes most deaths associated with skin cancer. Other types of non-melanoma skin cancers are often grouped together and include basal cell and squamous cell cancers.
Neurological Cancer
Neurological cancer, or cancer of the brain, is any form of cancer that originates within the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). Tumors that originate in other parts of the body and spread to the brain are called secondary, or metastatic, tumors. Metastatic tumors most often occur in patients with melanoma (a type of skin cancer), lung, or breast cancer, although any tumor can spread to the central nervous system.
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer begins when a tumor forms in the pancreas. Tumors, which are growths of abnormal cells, can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (noncancerous). Most pancreatic tumors are malignant, and can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. According to the National Cancer Institute, blacks are most vulnerable to pancreatic cancer as compared to other racial and ethnic groups.
Pediatric Cancer
Prostate, Bladder & Kidney Cancers
Urologic cancer is a term used to describe cancers of the prostate, bladder, and kidneys. The term also describes other cancers that are not detailed here, but can be accessed through the useful links provided on this site. These cancers include penile cancer, testicular cancer, transitional cell cancer, urethral cancer, Wilms’ tumor, and other childhood tumors.