The five most deadly cancers

Cancer has surpassed heart disease as the foremost cause of death for people in North America. A cancer diagnosis can be life-altering. Although there are many successful treatments for cancer, there is no definitive cure. Plus, certain cancers continue to be more ominous than others.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 100 types of cancer, characterized by their location in the body and abnormal cell growth in that area. Millions of dollars have been raised and spent on cancer research and finding new and innovative methods of treatment. Although the five-year survival rate for those with cancer in the United States has improved considerably over the last three decades, the National Cancer Institute still lists many cancers as the primary killers of many people. Here is the most recent classification of the five cancers that claim the most lives each year.

1. Lung cancer: Lung cancer is responsible for more deaths than any other cancer. Roughly 160,000 people succumb to lung and bronchial-related cancers each year. Although it is the most deadly, it is also the most preventable, as many cases of lung cancer are the result of certain lifestyle choices. Quitting smoking is the single most effective way to reduce your risk of lung cancer.

2. Colorectal cancer: In 2008, 52,857 Americans died from colorectal cancer, says the CDC. Most cases of colorectal cancer begin with groupings of small, benign cells called polyps that over time become cancerous. Screening is necessary to check for cancer of the colon and rectum, but because they are embarrassed and uncomfortable, many people avoid preventive measures.

3. Breast cancer: The second most common cancer in women, breast cancer can affect both sexes. It is also the most deadly cancer among women, with roughly 35 percent of the cases in the United States resulting in fatality.

4. Pancreatic cancer: The pancreas aids in digestion and metabolism. This cancer is deadly because it is difficult to detect in its early stages, as it does not always produce symptoms and the cancer tends to progress rapidly. Pancreatic cancer claims around 40,000 lives each year.

5. Prostate cancer: Prostate cancer is exclusive to men and is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among them, according to the NCI. This type of cancer forms in the prostate, a gland that produces seminal fluid that carries sperm. It is estimated that 28,000 men will die from prostate cancer in 2012.

Although many cancers are fatal, survival rates are improving. Thousands of people diagnosed with cancer beat the odds and go on to live healthy, disease-free lives.