World Cancer Day is observed every year on February 4 to spread awareness about different types of cancer and to encourage their prevention, detection and treatment. The international day is led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cancer is the second leading cause of death globally and this deadly disease kills about 1 in 6 people worldwide.

This year, the theme for World Cancer Day is ‘I am and I will’, which is “a reminder that each one of us can play a role in reducing the impact of cancer,” says Dr Anil D’Cruz, Director, Oncology Services, Apollo Cancer Centres, the first Indian Oncologist directly elected as President at the UICC.

Also read: Phone radiation, herbs and sugar: Doctor debunks myths related to cancer

As per WHO, there are various kinds of cancer, however, out of them, these six are most commonly found among people around the world:

Lung cancer

With nearly 2.09 million cases every year, lung cancer is one of the most common cancer detected globally. It mostly affects people who smoke and that is why patients with lung cancer are suggested to quit smoking. There are two major types of lung cancer- non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Its symptoms include cough with blood, chest pain and weight loss.

Breast cancer

Breast cancer accounts for about 2.09 million cases per year worldwide as well. It occurs most often in women. The cancer forms in the cells of the breasts. Symptoms of breast cancer include lumps in the breast, bloody discharge from nipples and changes in the shape or texture of the breast or nipple.

Also read: World Cancer Day: Early detection of cancer can save lives, find out how

Colorectal/ colon/ rectal cancer

Colorectal cancer affects around 1.8 million individuals in a year. It is commonly known as colon cancer. This cancer occurs in colon or rectum, located at the digestive tract’s lower end. Its symptoms include changed bowel habits, changed stool consistency, blood in the stool and abdominal discomfort.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer occurs in a man’s prostate, a small gland, which produces seminal fluid. It affects the nourishment and transportation of sperm. Symptoms of prostate cancer include difficulty during urination, although there are no symptoms many times. It accounts for 1.28 million cases every year.

Skin cancer (non-melanoma)

Non-melanoma skin cancer, also known as a rodent ulcer, accounts for 1.04 million cases per year. It starts in the cells lining at the bottom of the epidermis. Symptoms include bleeding sores, reddish and raised patches on irritated skin area and shiny or translucent bump.

Also read: From Irrfan Khan to Sonali Bendre, celebrities and their fight with cancer

Stomach cancer

Nearly 1.03 million cases of stomach cancer are reported every year in the world. The disease occurs in people who smoke or have poor dietary habits. Its symptoms include feeling bloated after eating, feeling full after eating small amounts of food, nausea, heartburn or poor digestion.

(Disclaimer: Information mentioned in the above article is for general purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult a doctor to know more about your health condition before making changes to your lifestyle.)