If you are a cancer survivor or you know someone who has suffered from the disease, you know how terrible it is. The disease itself is awful, and often the treatments for it are equally as difficult. Though science and treatments are improving, they are unfortunately not improving at the rate in which cancer is rising in the United States. These are the top 10 cancers in which doctors are seeing a rise currently in the United States.
The Type of Cancer That’s Rising the Fastest in America, According to Data
Cancer is a devastating disease that affects millions of people worldwide. In the United States, the rates of various types of cancer have been increasing over the years. The latest data from Stacker, a data-driven media organization, reveals the top 10 types of cancer that have seen a significant rise in recent times. For some, we know the potential reasons why, others not so much. Either way, this is the list. (1)
1. Oropharyngeal Cancer
Oropharyngeal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the back of the throat, including the tonsils and base of the tongue. It is closely linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and has seen an alarming increase of 158.4% in recent years. Treatment options for oropharyngeal cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Immunotherapy, a cutting-edge treatment, is also being used to boost the body’s immune system to fight against cancer cells.
2. Liver and Intrahepatic Bile Duct Cancer
Liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancer has witnessed a significant increase of 103.4% in the United States. This cancer occurs in the liver or the bile ducts within the liver. Potential treatment options include surgery, liver transplantation, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy drugs that specifically target cancer cells.
3. Tonsil Cancer
Tonsil cancer is a form of oropharyngeal cancer that specifically affects the tonsils. It has shown a rise of 98.1% in recent years. Treatment for tonsil cancer includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
4. Tongue Cancer
Tongue cancer refers to cancer that develops in the cells of the tongue. It has seen an increase of 80.2% in the United States. Treatment options for tongue cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
5. Anus, Anal Canal, and Anorectal Cancer
This type of cancer affects the anus, anal canal, and surrounding areas. It has experienced a rise of 78.9% in recent years. Treatment options for anus, anal canal, and anorectal cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
6. Small Intestinal Cancer
Small intestinal cancer refers to cancer that develops in the small intestine. It has witnessed a rise of 76.8% in recent times. Treatment options for small intestinal cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
7. Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer affects the thyroid gland and has shown an increase of 63.9% in the United States. Treatment options for thyroid cancer include surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, external beam radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy.
Read: 20 Cancer Signs People Ignore Until It’s Too Late
8. Endocrine Cancer
Endocrine cancer refers to cancer that occurs in the endocrine system, including the adrenal glands, pancreas, and pituitary gland. This type of cancer has experienced a rise of 61.8% in recent years. Treatment options for endocrine cancer vary depending on the specific gland affected, but they may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy.
9. Kidney and Renal Pelvis Cancer
Kidney and renal pelvis cancer affect the kidneys and have witnessed a rise of 54.8% in the United States. Treatment options for kidney cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and cryotherapy (freezing cancer cells).
10. Pancreatic Cancer
Lastly, pancreatic cancer has seen an increase of 51.4% in recent times. Treatment for this aggressive cancer often involves surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and palliative care.
The Bottom Line
The rates of certain types of cancer have been rising rapidly in America. The data released by Stacker indicates that oropharyngeal cancer, liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancer, tonsil cancer, tongue cancer, anus, anal canal, and anorectal cancer, small intestinal cancer, thyroid cancer, endocrine cancer, kidney and renal pelvis cancer, and pancreatic cancer are the top 10 types of cancer with the fastest-growing rates. Individuals must be aware of these trends and prioritize preventive measures, such as regular screenings and a healthy lifestyle, in order to minimize the risk of developing cancer. Additionally, advancements in treatment options provide hope for patients diagnosed with these cancers, offering a chance at improved outcomes and quality of life.
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Sources
- “Types of cancer on the rise.” Stacker. Nicole Caldwell. June 29, 2023.