Which cancer is most commonly diagnosed in the United States?

Which cancer is most commonly diagnosed in the United States?

• A. Basal cell carcinomas
• B. Lung cancer
• C. Breast cancer
• D. Prostate cancer

Answer: (A)

Basal cell carcinoma is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States because its incidence—the number of new cases each year—is much higher than for any other cancer. These skin cancers arise from epidermal basal cells and are strongly linked to sun exposure. Although they typically grow slowly and rarely metastasize, their sheer frequency means they outnumber breast, prostate, and lung cancers in new diagnoses. In exams this fact is often highlighted to contrast high-incidence cancers with those that may be more deadly or widely publicized.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States because its incidence—the number of new cases each year—is much higher than for any other cancer. These skin cancers arise from epidermal basal cells and are strongly linked to sun exposure. Although they typically grow slowly and rarely metastasize, their sheer frequency means they outnumber breast, prostate, and lung cancers in new diagnoses. In exams this fact is often highlighted to contrast high-incidence cancers with those that may be more deadly or widely publicized.