Common Cancers: What They Are, Why They Happen, and What You Can Do

When we talk about common cancers, types of uncontrolled cell growth that affect millions in India and worldwide, often without early warning signs. Also known as major malignancies, these are the diseases that show up most often in hospitals, clinics, and home conversations — not because they’re easy to treat, but because they’re hard to catch early. Pancreatic, lung, liver, ovarian, and esophageal cancers are among the most deadly, not because they’re rare, but because they sneak in. By the time symptoms show up, the cancer has often spread. That’s why knowing the signs — and acting fast — matters more than waiting for a diagnosis.

What makes these cancers so dangerous isn’t just how fast they grow, but how little we know about them until it’s too late. For example, early detection cancer, the practice of finding cancer before symptoms appear through screening or awareness can double survival rates for some types, yet many people skip tests because they feel fine. cancer survival rates, the percentage of people alive after a certain time following diagnosis vary wildly — from over 90% for early-stage breast cancer to under 10% for late-stage pancreatic cancer. That gap isn’t luck. It’s timing. And it’s something you can influence.

These cancers don’t just happen randomly. Lifestyle, environment, genetics, and access to care all play roles. Smoking raises lung cancer risk. Poor diet and alcohol link to liver and esophageal cancers. Delayed screenings mean ovarian and pancreatic cancers go unnoticed until they’re advanced. The good news? Many of these risks are within your control. Eating better, moving more, quitting tobacco, and getting screened — even if you feel fine — can make a real difference. You don’t need to be a doctor to understand this. You just need to pay attention.

Below, you’ll find real, no-fluff articles that break down what these cancers actually are, why they kill, and what steps you can take right now — whether you’re worried about yourself, a parent, or someone you love. From the science behind why pancreatic cancer is so feared, to how people live years with cancer today, to what treatments really work (and what don’t), this collection gives you the facts without the fear-mongering. No hype. No guesswork. Just what you need to know to act, not just worry.