Common Cancers: What to Watch For and What You Can Do

Cancer can feel like a distant worry until it isn’t. The cancers people encounter most often are breast, lung, prostate, colorectal, and skin (including melanoma). Knowing common symptoms, who should get screened, and simple prevention steps gives you real control. This page focuses on clear, practical advice you can use today.

Common signs and when to see a doctor

Some symptoms are vague, but a few changes deserve quick attention: an unexplained lump, new or changing mole, persistent cough or shortness of breath, blood in stool or urine, unusual bleeding, sudden weight loss, or a long-lasting sore. If a symptom lasts more than a few weeks or gets worse, call your provider. Early checks catch problems when they’re easiest to treat.

Remember: symptoms don’t always mean cancer, but they do mean you should be checked. If you have a family history of cancer, mention it—your doctor might recommend earlier or more frequent tests.

Screening tests that save lives

Screening finds cancer before you feel sick. Key tests to know about:

- Mammogram: for breast cancer screening—generally recommended from age 40–50 depending on guidelines and risk factors.

- Colonoscopy or stool tests: for colorectal cancer—usually starting at age 45, earlier if you have family history.

- Cervical screening (Pap + HPV tests): helps prevent and detect cervical cancer—follow your doctor’s timing based on age.

- Low-dose CT scan: for people at high risk for lung cancer (long-term heavy smokers).

- Skin checks: do a monthly self-check for new or changing moles and see a dermatologist if you spot anything odd.

Screening schedules can vary. Talk with your clinician about what fits your age and risk profile.

Vaccines help too: HPV vaccine prevents most cervical cancers and many throat and anal cancers. Hepatitis B vaccine reduces liver cancer risk. If you’re in the right age or risk group, ask about these shots.

What about treatment? Most cancers are treated with one or a mix of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted drugs, or immunotherapy. Treatment choices depend on the cancer type, stage, and your overall health. Newer targeted and immunotherapy drugs can work when older options don’t, but they also bring different side effects. Your care team should walk you through benefits and risks.

Prevention is partly in your hands: quit smoking, limit alcohol, maintain a healthy weight, stay active, protect your skin from strong sun, and eat a balanced diet. Regular check-ups and following screening recommendations matter more than any single supplement or trick.

If you’re worried, start with one step: book a primary care visit or a screening test. Early action makes a big difference. If you want help figuring out which screening fits you, ask—your doctor can set up a plan based on your age, family history, and lifestyle.