Types of Cancer and Stages

  • Cancer
    Cancer is a group of diseases characterised by out-of-control cell growth. There are more than 100 different types of cancer. The cancer is named after the area of the body or organ where it originates.
Submitted by PatientsEngage on 15 October 2015

Cancer is named after the part of the body where it originates. In 2018, it was estimated that 18 million cases of cancer were detected globally.

The five top most common cancers among men, globally, are:

  • Lung
  • Prostate
  • Colorectal
  • Stomach
  • Liver

The five top most common cancers among women, globally, are:

  • Breast
  • Colorectal
  • Lung
  • Cervical
  • Thyroid

Other cancers include:

  • Brain cancer
  • Childhood cancer (neuroblastoma,Wilms’ tumour, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, retinoblastoma)
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Bile duct cancer
  • Gall bladder cancer
  • Small intestine cancer
  • Anal cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Blood cancers such Leukaemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma
  • Skin cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Bladder cancer

Different stages of cancer       

Cancer staging is a process to determine how far the cancer has spread. The staging of cancer helps to decide the treatment and make an informed prognosis.

TNM (Tumour, Node, Metastasis) system is the most common cancer staging method.

T (1-4) indicates the size and extent of the tumour

N (0-3) indicates the spread of the tumour to nearby lymph nodes

M (0-1) indicates whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body

Overall stage grouping:  Overall stage grouping is also referred to as Roman Numeral staging. This system uses numerals to describe the progression of the cancer.

  • Stage 0: Carcinoma in situ (absence of invasion of tumour cell to surrounding tissue)  
  • Stage I: Cancer is localised to one part of the body. Stage I cancer can be surgically removed if small enough.
  • Stage II: Cancer is early but locally advanced. Tumour is larger than stage I but has not started to spread to the surrounding tissue. Stage II cancer can be treated by chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.
  • Stage III: Cancer is locally advanced in late stages. Cancer cells can be found in the adjoining lymph nodes. Stage III can be treated by chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.
  • Stage IV: Cancer has  metastasized, or spread to other organs and parts the body. Stage IV cancer can be treated by chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.
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