Cancer is a deadly disease that is characterized by the growth of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and invade nearby tissues.

It can affect any part of the body, and there are more than 100 types of cancer, each with its own set of symptoms and risk factors. While there have been significant advances in cancer treatment over the years, there are still many forms of cancer that remain challenging to treat. Here are the top modern cancer scourges:.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, accounting for 18.4% of all cancer deaths in 2020.

The primary cause of lung cancer is smoking, but it can also be caused by exposure to secondhand smoke, radon, asbestos, and other carcinogens. Symptoms of lung cancer include chronic coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, and unexplained weight loss.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, with an estimated 2.3 million new cases diagnosed in 2020.

The exact cause of breast cancer is not known, but there are several risk factors, including age, family history, reproductive factors, and lifestyle factors. Symptoms of breast cancer include a lump or thickening in the breast tissue, changes in the size or shape of the breast, nipple discharge, and redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men worldwide, with an estimated 1.4 million new cases diagnosed in 2020.

The exact cause of prostate cancer is not known, but there are several risk factors, including age, family history, and lifestyle factors. Symptoms of prostate cancer include difficulty urinating, weak or interrupted urine flow, frequent urination, and blood in the urine or semen.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, with an estimated 1.9 million new cases diagnosed in 2020. The primary cause of colorectal cancer is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer include abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, and unexplained weight loss.

Leukemia

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells and bone marrow, and it accounts for around 3% of all cancer cases worldwide. The exact cause of leukemia is not known, but there are several risk factors, including exposure to radiation and certain chemicals.

Symptoms of leukemia include fatigue, pale skin, frequent infections, fever, and unexplained weight loss.

Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a deadly form of cancer that accounts for around 3% of all cancer cases worldwide.

The primary cause of pancreatic cancer is not known, but several risk factors have been identified, including smoking, obesity, and a family history of the disease. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer include abdominal pain, weight loss, jaundice, and digestive problems.

Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the bladder, and it accounts for around 3% of all cancer cases worldwide.

The primary cause of bladder cancer is exposure to carcinogens, such as tobacco smoke and chemicals used in the manufacture of dyes, rubber, and plastics. Symptoms of bladder cancer include blood in the urine, frequent urination, and pain or burning during urination.

Brain Cancer

Brain cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the brain or the surrounding tissues, and it accounts for around 2% of all cancer cases worldwide.

The primary cause of brain cancer is not known, but certain risk factors have been identified, including exposure to radiation and certain chemicals. Symptoms of brain cancer include headaches, seizures, memory loss, and changes in vision or speech.

Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the liver, and it accounts for around 4% of all cancer cases worldwide. The primary cause of liver cancer is viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis B and C.

Other risk factors include alcohol consumption, obesity, and exposure to certain chemicals. Symptoms of liver cancer include abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, jaundice, and swelling in the abdomen.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the skin, and it accounts for around 5% of all cancer cases worldwide. The primary cause of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds.

Other risk factors include a family history of skin cancer, a weakened immune system, and exposure to other carcinogens. Symptoms of skin cancer include new or changing moles or spots on the skin, itching or bleeding from a mole, and changes in the color or texture of the skin.