S1. Most Dangerous Cancers in Men and Women Cancer is the second-leading cause of adult deaths in the U.S., followed by heart disease. Andrew Nish, MD, John Stoddard Cancer Center Medical Director, helps us understand the most dangerous cancers as outlined by the American Cancer Society’s 2024 annual Facts & Figures report.NOTE: The numbers don’t include basal cell (most common skin cancer) and squamous cell (second most common skin cancer) skin cancers, since they’re not regularly reported to cancer registries.Top 2024 Cancer StatisticsCancer statistics for 2024 have increased since last year.A little more than 2 million new cancer cases are expected in 2024611,720 Americans are expected to die from cancer in 20241 in 3 women will develop cancer in their lifetime1 in 2 men will develop cancer in their lifetimeFive Most Dangerous Cancers in Men
These five cancers are predicted to take nearly 322,800 male lives in a year.Lung & Bronchus – 65,790 male deathsProstate – 35,250 male deathsColon & Rectum – 28,700 male deathsPancreas – 27,270 male deathsLiver & Intrahepatic Bile Duct – 19,120 male deathsCancer Deaths in Men by Percent20% – Lung & Bronchus11% – Prostate9% – Colon & Rectum8% – Pancreas6% – Liver4% – Leukemia4% – Esophagus4% – Bladder4% – Non-Hodgkin lymphoma4% – Brain & Nervous SystemFive Most Dangerous Cancers in Women
These five cancers are predicted to take nearly 288,920 female lives in a year. While increases and decreases in specific cancer deaths vary compared to last year, overall, this number is substantially larger than what was reported in 2023.Lung & Bronchus – 59,280 female deathsBreast – 42,250 female deathsColon & Rectum – 24,310 female deathsPancreas – 24,480 female deathsOvary – 12,740 female deathsCancer Deaths in Females by Percent21% – Lung & Bronchus15% – Breast8% – Colon & Rectum8% – Pancreas5% – Uterine4% – Ovary4% – Liver3% – Leukemia3% – Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma3% – Brain & Nervous SystemWhy is Lung Cancer the Most Common?Even though lung cancer is the deadliest cancer for men and women, the rates are declining in the U.S. Experts contribute the drop to fewer smokers and improvements in treatments for non-small cell lung cancer.“Cigarette smoke is by far the highest cause of lung cancer in the U.S., but exposure to other environmental factors could also increase your risk. Radon gas, which is naturally occurring in the soil and can collect in indoor spaces, is the second leading cause of lung cancer, accounting for an estimated 21,000 deaths per year. Secondhand smoke, asbestos, radiation, air pollution and diesel exhaust are other contributing factors,” Dr. Nish says.Signs and Symptoms of Lung CancerPersistent coughSputum (saliva mixed with mucus) streaked with bloodChest painHoarse voiceWorsening shortness of breathRecurrent pneumonia or bronchitis“These signs and symptoms of lung cancer don’t usually appear until the cancer is more advanced. Early detection is very important, so talk to your doctor about screenings available to you,” Dr. Nish says.Why is Colon Cancer on the Rise in Younger People?Colorectal cancer has generally declined since the early 1990s for those 50 and older due to more people following colonoscopy screening guidelines. However, colon cancer cases are rising in younger people. While the exact cause is unknown, lifestyle risk factors include highly processed diets, environmental toxins, heavy alcohol use, lack of exercise, obesity and smoking.“Most colorectal cancer diagnosed in adults younger than 50 are called ‘sporadic,’ meaning they don’t have a genetic or family risk, and they aren’t associated with a pre-existing condition such as inflammatory bowel disease. There is some research underway to understand the composition of the gut microbiome, or the trillions of bacteria in your gut, and how it may impact your risk for colon cancer,” Dr. Nish says.Screening is recommended starting at 45 years old. These high-risk factors mean you should get screened sooner:Type 2 diabetesInflammatory bowel diseaseFamily or personal history of colon cancer or polypsLynch syndromeOf American Indian, Alaska Native or Ashkenazi Jew racial or ethnic groups
