The most common type of cancer in women

Cancer is a frightening diagnosis that usually strikes people who have it suddenly and completely unexpectedly. What are the most common types of cancer among women in Germany?

Like Kate, many women in Germany have recently been diagnosed with cancer. According to cancer registry data, about 230,000 diagnoses are made each year. In principle, the disease can affect anyone. The risk of malignant cell changes increases with age. But young people are also affected.

Tumors can occur in different areas of the body. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) Cancer Registry records the type of cancer that occurs most often. As the latest figures for new cases registered for 2020 show, breast cancer is the most common form in women, followed by colon and lung cancer. Uterine cancers, which are in the form of malignant melanoma, are among the five most common types of cancer in women.

A quick overview of the most common types of cancer in women:

• Breast cancer – 30.5 percent
• – Colon cancer – 10.5 percent
• Lung cancer – 9.8 percent
• Black skin cancer (melanoma) – 4.9 percent
• – Uterine cancer – 4.7 percent
• Pancreatic cancer – 4.3 percent
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma – 3.6 percent
• Ovarian cancer – 3.1 percent
• Leukemia – 2.4 percent
• – Stomach cancer – 2.3 percent
• Kidney cancer – 2.1 percent
• Cervical cancer – 2.0 percent
• Bladder cancer – 2.0 percent

The statistical risk of developing a particular type of cancer is also determined by age:

• According to the Cancer Registry, women aged 20 to 29 are most at risk of developing skin cancer.
• Breast cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women over the age of 30. The probability increases more in middle age, that is, between 45 and about 64 years, and older women over 65 years of age are most at risk of developing breast cancer.
• Cervical cancer is also a more common type of cancer in middle-aged women, but the likelihood of developing it is again decreasing purely statistically.
• In older women, in addition to breast cancer, colon and lung cancer are also the most common.

In order to reduce the risk of cancer, it is important to get regular screening. For most types of tumors, the earlier the tumor is detected, the better the chances of cure.