Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with millions of people diagnosed each year. Despite significant advances in medical science and treatment, the emotional, physical, and psychological toll of cancer is immense. This article by Tugela Wave will explore ten of the most common types of cancer, explaining how they affect patients’ lives. We’ll also include expert insights on managing these challenges, helping readers understand the breadth of cancer’s impact.
10 Common Types of Cancer
Table of Contents
1. Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally, though it can also affect men. It typically begins in the cells of the milk-producing ducts or lobules and can spread to other parts of the body.
According to World Health Organization, “Breast cancer cells begin inside the milk ducts and/or the milk-producing lobules of the breast. The earliest form (in situ) is not life-threatening and can be detected in early stages. Cancer cells can spread into nearby breast tissue (invasion). This creates tumors that cause lumps or thickening. “
It happens when cancerous cells in your breasts multiply and become tumors. About 80% of breast cancer cases are invasive, meaning a tumor may spread from your breast to other areas of your body.
Symptoms of breast cancer are-
- New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit)
- Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
- Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
- Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast
- Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood
- Any change in the size or the shape of the breast
Impact on Life
Patients with breast cancer often experience a range of challenges, including physical changes like hair loss, scars from surgery, and loss of breast tissue. The emotional toll can be just as significant, with feelings of fear, anxiety, and body image issues frequently reported.
Dr. Laura Esserman, director of the UCSF Carol Franc Buck Breast Care Center, states, “Breast cancer not only affects physical health but also has profound psychological effects. It’s essential to focus on a holistic approach to patient care, including mental health support.”
2. Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. It is primarily caused by smoking, but non-smokers can also develop it. It generally presents in two forms: small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Lung cancer happens by cell division in lungs. Your cells divide and make more copies of themselves as a part of their normal function.
Symptoms of lung cancer are-
- A cough that doesn’t go away or gets worse over time
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Wheezing
- Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
- Hoarseness
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained fatigue (tiredness)
- Shoulder pain
Impact on Life
Patients with lung cancer may experience difficulty breathing, persistent cough, and fatigue. The advanced stages of lung cancer can lead to pain and difficulty performing everyday activities. Moreover, patients often feel stigmatized due to the strong association with smoking.
Dr. David Carbone, director of the James Thoracic Center at Ohio State University, emphasizes, “Lung cancer can rob patients of their quality of life quickly, which is why early detection and targeted therapies are essential for improving survival rates and minimizing impact.”
3. Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate (a gland in the male reproductive system) grow uncontrollably. The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland in males that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.
It is the second most common cancer in men, and in many cases, it progresses slowly, where they may not do serious harm, at first.
Symptoms of prostate cancer are –
- Trouble urinating
- Decreased force in the stream of urine
- Blood in the urine
- Blood in the semen
- Bone pain
- Losing weight without trying
- Erectile dysfunction
Impact on Life
Though prostate cancer can be asymptomatic, more advanced stages can lead to difficulty with urination, erectile dysfunction, and fatigue. Surgery or radiation treatments may result in long-term complications, affecting a patient’s sexual health and quality of life.
Dr. Ian Thompson, a renowned urologist, notes, “Prostate cancer can impact both physical and emotional well-being, particularly when patients face side effects from treatments. It’s crucial for patients to discuss options to minimize long-term effects.”
4. Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer (which includes cancers of the colon- the large intestine and rectum) is one of the most prevalent cancers, particularly in Western countries. It is the third most common cancer worldwide. It begins as growths (polyps) in the colon or rectum, which can develop into cancer over time. It predominantly affects older individuals, with the majority of cases occurring in people aged 50 and above.
Polyps often don’t cause symptoms. But finding and removing polyps helps prevent colon cancer. So, doctors recommend regular screening tests to look for polyps in the colon.
Symptoms of colorectal cancer are-
- A change in bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation.
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.
- Ongoing discomfort in the belly area, such as cramps, gas or pain.
- A feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty all the way during a bowel movement.
- Weakness or tiredness.
- Losing weight without trying.
Impact on Life
It brings changes in bowel habits. Patient feels abdominal pain, and blood comes in stool. Many patients face surgeries such as a colostomy, which can significantly affect their social and emotional lives. Psychological distress, such as depression and anxiety, is also common with colorectal cancer.
Dr. Richard Wender, a family physician and cancer expert, advises, “Patients must be proactive about screenings. Colorectal cancer is treatable when caught early, but the social and emotional effects of treatment can be severe.”
5. Melanoma
Melanoma is a cancer that begins in the skin cells. It is most often caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It starts in the melanocytes, cells that make the pigment that gives skin its color. It develops when melanocytes start to grow out of control. It can form in the skin on the arms, back, face and legs. Melanoma also can form in the eyes.
Symptoms of melanoma are –
- a mole may change in colour, have different colour shades or become blotchy
- a mole may appear to get bigger
- itching or bleeding
- a mole may have an irregular shape, may increase in height or not be symmetrical
- the mole may develop a raised area
Impact on Life
Patients may experience visible changes to their skin, which can be distressing, particularly when melanoma results in disfigurement due to surgery. There’s also a risk of metastasis to other organs if it’s not treated early. Long-term monitoring and concern about recurrence often create ongoing anxiety.
Dr. John Kirkwood, a melanoma specialist, points out, “Melanoma can be managed well when detected early. However, the psychological impact of recurrence or disfigurement requires a supportive treatment approach.”
6. Leukemia
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood-forming tissues, particularly the bone marrow and lymphatic system. It results in the abnormal production of white blood cells, which hinders the overall performance of the blood cells. Those white blood cells crowd out the red blood cells and platelets that your body needs to be healthy. Leukemia cells are usually immature (still developing) white blood cells.
Symptoms of Leukemia are –
- Pain in your bones or joints
- Headaches
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
- Shortness of breath
- Skin changes, including small red spots (called petechiae) or patches that are blue, purple, or darker than the rest of your skin
- Paler skin than usual
- Fever or chills
- Unusual bruising
- Bleeding easily
Impact on Life
Leukemia patients often experience fatigue, frequent infections, and easy bruising or bleeding. Chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants can have long-lasting physical side effects. The risk of recurrence can affect patients’ outlook on life and cause constant worry.
Dr. Jimmie C. Holland, a psychiatrist known for her work in psycho-oncology, emphasizes, “Leukemia impacts a patient’s physical health and emotional resilience. Long-term treatment regimens and the risk of relapse create significant psychological burdens.”
7. Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins and forms in the ovaries. It occurs when abnormal cells in your ovaries or fallopian tubes grow and multiply out of control. Ovarian cancers were previously believed to begin only in the ovaries, but recent evidence suggests that many ovarian cancers may actually start in the cells in the far end of the fallopian tubes.
It is often detected at a later stage due to the subtle nature of its symptoms, such as bloating, pelvic pain, and changes in bowel habits.
Symptoms of ovarian cancers are –
- Swollen tummy or feeling bloated
- Pain or tenderness in your tummy or the area between the hips (pelvis)
- Quickly feeling full when eating
- Fatigue
- Back pain
- Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
- A frequent need to urinate
Impact on Life
Ovarian cancer can severely impact a woman’s reproductive health. Treatment often involves surgery to remove the ovaries, which can lead to infertility and hormone imbalances. Emotional challenges include anxiety over prognosis and physical changes.
Dr. Deborah Armstrong, a gynecologic oncologist, advises, “Ovarian cancer patients face both physical and emotional challenges, and they benefit from personalized care that addresses both aspects of their treatment.”
8. Bladder Cancer
The bladder is a hollow, balloon-shaped organ in the lower part of the abdomen that stores urine. Bladder cancer occurs when cells in the bladder start to grow without control. It most often begins in the cells (urothelial cells) that line the inside of your bladder.
Symptoms of bladder cancer are –
- frequent urination
- pain or burning during urination
- being unable to urinate
- lower back pain on one side of the body
- pain in the abdomen
- bone pain or tenderness
- unintended weight loss and loss of appetite
Impact on Life
Patients may experience blood in the urine, pain during urination, and fatigue. Treatment often involves surgery or chemotherapy. Invasive treatments like cystectomy (bladder removal) can significantly affect a patient’s lifestyle, leading to the use of a urostomy bag.
Dr. Shari B. Goldfarb, a bladder cancer expert, notes, “Bladder cancer can cause both physical and emotional challenges, especially for patients facing life-altering surgeries. Support systems are critical for successful rehabilitation.”
9. Kidney Cancer
The kidneys make urine, which is how the body washes liquid waste out of the body. The kidneys also play a role in controlling blood pressure and stimulating the bone marrow to make red blood cells. Kidney cancer typically begins in the cells of the kidneys and is often diagnosed when it reaches an advanced stage. Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type.
Symptoms of kidney cancer are –
- A lump or swelling in the kidney area or abdomen.
- Lower back pain or pain in the side that doesn’t go away.
- Feeling tired often.
- Fever that keeps coming back.
- Blood in the urine.
- Not feeling like eating.
- Losing weight for no reason that you know of.
- Something blocking your bowels.
Impact on Life
Symptoms include pain, blood in urine, and fatigue. Surgery to remove the kidney may be required, and some patients may need to adjust to life with one kidney or undergo dialysis if the cancer spreads.
Dr. Brian Rini, an oncologist specializing in kidney cancer, explains, “Kidney cancer treatments can have a profound impact on daily life, but with advances in immunotherapy, we are seeing improved outcomes and quality of life for patients.”
10. Esophageal Cancer
The esophagus is a long, hollow tube that runs from the throat to the stomach. The esophagus helps move swallowed food from the back of the throat to the stomach to be digested. In adults, the esophagus is usually between 10 and 13 inches (25 to 33 centimeters) long.
Esophageal cancer affects the esophagus. It is more common in men and is often linked to smoking, alcohol use, and acid reflux disease. The cancer starts in the inner layer of the esophagus and can spread throughout the other layers of the esophagus and to other parts of the body (metastasis). It’s typically diagnosed at a later stage due to subtle early symptoms like difficulty swallowing.
Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer are –
- Difficulty or pain when you swallow, which is the most common symptom
- Weight loss, often as a result of swallowing problems and lost appetite
- Pain in the chest, behind the breastbone, often after swallowing
- Chronic coughing
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Chronic blood loss, leading to low blood levels of iron (anemia) or dark stools
Impact on Life
Patients often face difficulty eating and swallowing, leading to weight loss and malnutrition. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, which can cause physical weakness and fatigue.
Dr. David Ilson, an expert in gastrointestinal cancers, emphasizes, “Esophageal cancer often presents late, but early detection can improve survival. The impact of treatment is severe, so supportive care plays a crucial role.”
Conclusion
Cancer is a complex and multifaceted disease that affects each individual differently. The emotional and physical toll of these 10 common cancer types demonstrates the need for a holistic approach to patient care, including both medical treatment and psychological support. By advancing early detection methods, treatment options, and post-treatment care, the medical community can continue to improve the quality of life for cancer patients around the world.
References:
- American Cancer Society. (2023). Breast Cancer.
- National Cancer Institute. (2023). Cancer Stat Facts
- Mayo Clinic. (2023). Lung Cancer.
- Wender, R. (2021). Colorectal Cancer Screening. Journal of Family Medicine.