World cancer day 2025: 5 most common cancer types and its symptoms

The theme of 'World Cancer Day 2025' is "united by unique" that focus on individual's unique experiences pertaining to cancer.

Written by: Jigyasa Sahay

Published: February 4, 2025, 8:56 AM IST

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https://www.india.com/health/world-cancer-day-2025-5-most-common-cancer-types-and-its-symptoms-7588956/ Copy

World cancer day 2025 theme is united by unique (Freepik)

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the global landscape. Over millions of lives succumb to this fatal disease every year. According to a data released by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), World Health Organisation (WHO)’s cancer agency, there were around 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths in 2022. Every year February 4 is observed as World Cancer Day. Established in 1999 during World Summit against Cancer in Paris, the day is recognised as an endeavour to keep spreading more awareness, fight against it.

“The estimated number of people who were alive within 5 years following a cancer diagnosis was 53.5 million. About 1 in 5 people develop cancer in their lifetime, approximately 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women die from the disease,” stated WHO.

Here are some of the most common types of cancer and its warning signs. Early diagnosis can help with better rate of success in treatment.

5 Major Cancer Types

1. Breast cancer: Abnormal or tumour growth in breast cells leads to breast cancer. It may begin inside the milk ducts. First warning signs include- lumps in breast or near underarms, change in breast size, nipple discharge, breast pain, redness. It is one of the most common types of cancer in women that caused ver 670,000 deaths globally in 2022. Women are advised for self examination and regular screening for reducing risk.
2. Lung cancer: Another common cancer with high mortality rate is lung cancer- abnormal growth of lung cells. This first warning signs is cough that does not go away. Chest pain, shortness of breath, blood in cough, unexplained weight loss, lung infection are common signs and symptoms. While smoking is a major cause of lung cancer, non smokers can too be at risk owing to second hand smoking, air pollution etc.
3. Colorectal cancer: Colon cancer is regarded as third most common cancer worldwide. It affects the large intestine (colon). However, people over 50 are slightly more at risk. Common signs and symptoms – stomach issues like constipation, diarrhoea, fatigue, blood in stool, abdominal pain etc.
4. Cervical cancer: This is the fourth most common type of cancer globally as per WHO. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the major cause behind it. Abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain in lower abdomen, leg pain, pain during coitus are common warning signs.
5. Oral cancer: In India, oral cancer is growing health concern. Tobacco use, betel quid, kheni-gutka is widely consumed in the country. Ulcers red patches, change in colour texture are first warning signs.

According to WHO report the burden of cancer is rising across the globe. Over 35 million new cancer cases are predicted for 2025. In order to mitigate the cases, awareness is key. For awareness, one needs to have information about common cancer types, warning signs and symptoms in order to get checked for timely treatment.