When someone mentions cancer, the first thing you might wonder is: what kind? That’s because there isn’t just one. There are many types of cancer, each with its own cause, symptoms, and path.
At its core, cancer starts when cells in the body begin to grow out of control. Sometimes it’s linked to lifestyle or environment, and other times it’s in genes. The signs? Things like unexplained fatigue, weight loss, or pain that doesn’t go away.
So, whether you’re trying to understand a diagnosis or simply curious about the different types of cancer in women and men, you’re in the right place.
TypesofCancer: How they're classified
Cancer can manifest in various forms, and the way we classify it helps oncologists understand how it behaves, where it originates, and how to treat it.
Here are the main ways types of cancer are grouped:
Classification by tissue/cell type
Classification by gender and organ
Common vs rare types of cancer
Cancers are often named based on the kind of cell they start in, like carcinoma (skin or organ linings), sarcoma (bones or muscles), leukaemia (blood), and more.
Some cancers are more common or exclusive to a specific gender, such as types of cancer in women (e.g., breast, cervical) and types of cancer in men (e.g., prostate, testicular).
While some cancers, like breast or lung, are widely known, others, such as adrenal or thymic cancer, are extremely rare but still important to understand.
The main kinds of cancer based on cell origin
When discussing the types of cancer, one of the most important ways doctors classify them is by where they originate at the cellular level. This helps determine both the behaviour of the disease and the most effective treatment options.
Here are the four main cancer types based on cell origin:
1. Carcinomas
Carcinomas are the most widely diagnosed and begin in the skin or the lining of internal organs like the lungs, liver, or breast. They include cancers such as breast cancer , lung cancer, and colon cancer.
2. Sarcomas
Sarcomas are rarer and start in connective tissues, like bones, muscles, fat, and cartilage. These cancers tend to grow quickly and may affect limbs or internal organs.
3. Leukaemia
Leukaemia affects blood-forming tissues such as the bone marrow, leading to abnormal white blood cell production. It doesn't form solid tumours but spreads through the blood and affects the immune system.
4. Lymphoma and Myeloma
These cancers begin in immune system cells. Lymphoma affects the lymphatic system, while myeloma impacts plasma cells in the bone marrow. Both can weaken the body's ability to fight infections.
8commontypes of cancer in humans
Among the many types of cancer in the human body, a few are particularly common, affecting millions of people each year across age groups and genders. Knowing the most frequently diagnosed cancers helps with early awareness and timely screening.
So, let's take a look at the 8 most common types of cancer:
1. Breast cancer
One of the most well-known types of cancer in women, breast cancer can also affect men, though rarely. It often starts as a lump and may cause skin changes, pain, or nipple discharge.
2. Lung cancer
Often linked to smoking or environmental exposure, lung cancer is one of the deadliest types. Early signs include a persistent cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
3. Prostate cancer
A common type of cancer in men, prostate cancer affects the prostate gland and usually develops slowly. Symptoms may include trouble urinating or pelvic discomfort.
4. Cervical cancer
This cancer starts in the cervix and is often caused by HPV infection. It’s one of the types of female cancers that can be prevented or caught early through routine Pap tests. Warning signs can include unexpected bleeding between periods, unusual discharge, or pelvic discomfort, though it often develops quietly in the early stages.
5. Colorectal cancer
Affecting the colon or rectum, this cancer often begins as polyps small, noncancerous growths on the inner lining of the colon that can turn cancerous over time. Symptoms include changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, or unexplained weight loss.
6. Skin cancer
Skin cancer, especially melanoma, is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers globally, with over 1.5 million new skin cancer cases each year. It may show up as a new mole or a change in an existing one.
7. Stomach cancer
Also called gastric cancer, it develops in the stomach lining. Symptoms can include indigestion, bloating, nausea, or stomach pain that doesn’t go away.
A common type of cancer in men, prostate cancer affects the prostate gland and usually develops slowly. Symptoms may include trouble urinating or pelvic discomfort.
8. Liver Cancer
Often linked to hepatitis or alcohol-related liver damage, liver cancer may cause abdominal pain, jaundice, or unexplained weight loss in later stages.
Typesofcancer in women and men
Some cancers are gender-specific, while others are significantly more common in one gender due to biological or hormonal differences.
Here’s a breakdown of gender-specific cancers:
Types of cancer in women
Types of cancer in men
Breast cancer: Affects breast tissue; also rare but possible in men.
Prostate cancer: Develops in the prostate gland; often slow-growing.
Ovarian Cancer: Begins in the ovaries; hard to detect early.
Penile Cancer: Rare cancer affecting the skin and tissue of the penis.
Uterine cancer: Originates in the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
Lung cancer: Common in men; often linked to smoking or pollution.
Cervical cancer: Starts in the cervix; closely linked to HPV.
Testicular cancer: Affects the testicles; often seen in younger men.
Rare and mostdangeroustypes of cancer
Some of the most dangerous types of cancer we know are rare, often appearing late, growing quietly, and resisting treatment, making early awareness critical.
Here are some of the rare and worst types of cancer you should know about:
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Pancreatic cancer
Known as one of the most harmful cancers due to late detection and fast spread. It starts in the pancreas and often shows no symptoms until it is advanced.
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Mesothelioma
A rare type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure that affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen. It’s aggressive and difficult to treat.
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Oesophageal cancer
Begins in the lining of the oesophagus. It's often diagnosed late and linked to multiple types of cancer cells, like adenocarcinomas or squamous cell carcinomas.
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Gallbladder cancer
A rare and often silent cancer that typically spreads before it’s discovered. Early signs mimic common digestive issues.
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Adrenal gland cancer
Originates in the adrenal glands above the kidneys. It’s a lesser-known type of cancer that can produce excess hormones, causing unusual symptoms.
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Rare pediatric cancers
Includes various rare kinds of cancer found in children, such as neuroblastoma or Wilms' tumour. These are often linked to fast-growing types of cancer cells.
Types of cancertreatments
There’s no single way to treat cancer because no two cases are exactly the same. The approach depends on the type of cancer, how advanced it is, and what kind of cells are involved. Some treatments target the cancer directly, while others help the body fight back on its own.
Here are some of the most common types of cancer treatments used today:
One of the most well-known options, chemo uses strong drugs to kill fast-growing cancer cells throughout the body. It’s often used when cancer has spread or is hard to remove surgically.
This treatment zeroes in on the specific parts of cancer cells, like certain genes or proteins, that help them grow. It’s a more focused approach that often comes with fewer side effects than chemo.
Instead of attacking the cancer directly, immunotherapy helps your immune system do the work. By doing so, it is able to help in treating cancers like melanoma, lung cancer, or bladder cancer.
Some cancers in women (like breast or endometrial) and men (like prostate) are fueled by hormones. Hormonal therapy works by blocking or lowering those hormones to slow or stop the cancer’s growth.
No matter which treatment path is recommended, it’s not just about fighting the disease; it’s about supporting you. Thanks to the many advanced treatment options available today, there’s real hope in finding a plan that fits both your body and your life. You're not alone in this.
Facing cancer with clarity, support, and earlyaction
If you’re noticing persistent symptoms, have a family history, or simply want to be proactive, don’t wait. Reach out to a trusted cancer centre, hospital, or specialist. Support, answers, and guidance are just a conversation away.
FAQs on types of cancer in the human body
Some cancers, like pancreatic cancer or late-stage lung cancer, are difficult to cure fully once they’ve advanced. In many cases, treatment focuses on control and quality of life.
Certain types of cancer cells, such as those found in pancreatic, liver, or some blood cancers, tend to spread quickly. Fast-growing cancers often require urgent diagnosis and treatment.
While a healthy lifestyle can lower the risk of most cancers, it doesn’t prevent all kinds of cancer. Genetics, environment, and other factors can still play a role.
Yes, a person can develop two or more different types of cancer in their lifetime. This can happen due to genetic predisposition, previous treatments, or unrelated mutations.
